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D. J. CABLE 



POEMS 

ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS 



WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY 

DAVID J. CABLE 

Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Michigan 



THE FRANKLIN PRESS 

GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN 

1915 



,-" 



PREFACE 

Hoping that these few prayers and verses may 
prove a blessing to some one who is cast down, 
and a help to others. 

It is truthful, it will do no harm. Then we read 
in the Bible: "That as face answereth to face, so 
does the heart of man to man," and these effusions 
of the mind may touch a kindred chord in some 
other heart; and add a charm to some lonely hour 
by helping to disperse the clouds which often hang 
heavy over the pathway of earth's weary travelers. 

That it may find favor with those who read it, 

is the desire of the— 

AUTHOR. 

Do not copy these poems without permission of Author. 



But few of our Michigan makers of verse have 
been prolific enough with their compositions to 
afford the publishing of a volume as large as the 
one presented herewith to the public, which it is 
hoped, will meet with a kindly reception. 

The author does not consider himself a poet of 
exceptional ability, still the effort to please the 
public was assuredly sincere with him, and with 
this idea in mind, no doubt these pages will be 
perused by many with profit and pleasure. 

The Franklin Press. 



By transfer 
The IMte House. 



CONTENTS 

Affectation 117 

Affection - 205 

A Child's Epitaph 107 

A Day of Rest 163 

A Dream .' 78 

A Friend 167 

An Example 164 

An Ugly Cow 170 

A Motherless Child :. 125 

A Mother's Joy 156 

A White Haired Man 54 

A Young Mother 158 

Back Wood's Life 108 

Barking Dog 171 

Beautiful Spring Time 7 

Beautiful Sunshine 6 

Beautiful World 159 

Beautiful World 168 

Christmas Times 10 

Church Bell," The ,. 199 

Courtship 37 

Crossing Lake Michigan , 116 

Difference, The 193 

Don't Be Sad 19 

Dying Child, The 140 

Early Settlers 90 

Epitaph : 173 

Epitaphs 218 

Evening Prayer 1 

Faded Flower, The 102 

Faithfulness 106 

Farewell to Rhyming 214 

Fishing Time 119 

Flirting 171 

Four Seasons of the Year, The 207 

Frog, The ' 60 



CONTENTS 

Get Right with God 5 

Gone before Thee 98 

Grandfather's Eyes 149 

Guiding Spirit, The 154 

Happiest Time of Life, The 46 

Happy Life 122 

Happy New Year 92 

Health on the Rocky Mountains 196 

I live to Love 114 

I'll Wait for You All at the Gate 9 

In Court 93 

"Ironsides" Went Down 118 

Kind Words i 166 

Labor 204 

Life . 206 

Lonely Robin, The 133 

Long Eared Hound, The 24 

Love of Nature, The 188 

Make Hay While the Sun Shines 100 

Man is Restless 183 

Married Life 40 

Married Life 95 

Merry Christmas Time 67 

Money is King , 172 

Morning Prayer 2 

Mountain Cottage, The 137 

Mourning Dove, The 195 

My Mother 75 

My Own Birthday 18 

My Poems 215 

Nightingale, The 135 

Not All Sunshine 169 

Ocean Beach, The 86 

Old and Present Times 69 

Old Home, The 73 

Old House at Home, The 84 

Old Hotel, The 130 

Old Grist Mill, The 127 



CONTENTS 

Old Spider, The 101 

Oleander, The 200 

On the Beach by the Sea 82 

On the Death of my Sister 51 

On the Death of our Friend 15 

On the Death of a Young Maiden 202 

On the Life of Robert Burns 31 

On the Sinking of the Steamer "Alpena" 105 

On the War in Europe 14 

Peck's Bad Boy 144 

Pleasant Times 142 

Prayer .-..'. 4 

Prayer to God 2 

Prayer to the Saviour 3 

Progress of Science, The 174 

Proverbs 216 

River Raisin, The 209 

Rosy Mound 88 

Time is Short 211 

To my Daughter Grace Barney 12 

To the Robin 21 

To the Boy 29 

To the Old Man 34 

Tramp, The 77 

To my Sister 103 

Two Little Girls in Blue 139 

School Days 63 

Sunset J 58 

Scatter Flowers 161 

Soul's Poetry 213 

Seeking for Gold 147 

Waiting for Thee 155 

Welcome Home 138 

Whistling Boy, The 151 

Woman 197 

Woman L. 203 

Years Gone By 48 

Yes, We Will Follow Thee 1 



YES, WE WILL FOLLOW THEE 

Yes, we will try to follow Thee, 
Follow Thee, to the other shore, 

That we will be in harmony, 
With Thee for ever more. * 

Yes, we will try to follow Thee, 

While on this earth we stay, 
Until our souls set free, 

To live forever with Thee. 

EVENING PRAYER 

I will put my trust in Thee Lord, 
And lay me down in peace and sleep, 

And if death should o'er take me before I awake 
I'll trust the Lord my soul to take. 



PRAYERS 

MORNING PRAYER 

Now I awake to see the light, 

God has kept me through the night, 

And I hope and watch and pray, 
That God will keep me through the day. 

PRAYER TO GOD 

Our Father, Who art in Heaven above, 

Teach us Thy commandment, each other to 
love. 

Help us to pass through this world of strife, 
And gain a crown of eternal life. 

Teach us Thy wisdom from Above, 

And guide us in safety, to a world of love. 

Help us to guide others into Thy fold, 
And fill our hearts with love untold. 

Guide and direct us, comfort and protect us, 
And shield us from the evils that surround us, 

Be with us when asleep or when awake, 
And forgive our sins, for Jesus sake. 



PRAYERS 

PRAYER TO THE SAVIOUR 

Our Saviour dear forgive us, 
And wash our sins away; 

And teach us our Dear Saviour, 
No more to go astray. 

Teach us to live for others, 
And learn to watch and pray, 

That we may guide some one, 
Along the narrow way. 

Teach us our Dear Saviour. 

While here on earth we stay, 
To always do our duty, 

From day to day. 

Teach us our Dear Saviour, 
O! teach us day by day, 
To always work for Jesus, 
And earn a crown that way. 

Teach us our Dear Saviour, 
O! teach us how to pray, 



PRAYERS 

That we may live according, 
To Thy teaching day by day. 

That we may render service, 

To Thee upon this earth, 
Teach us with joy to remember, 

Thy precious birth. 

PRAYER 

Our Father Who art in Heaven, 

We would implore Thy blessing, 
Once more upon us. 

Oh ! Shield us from the evils 
That daily surround us. 

Help us to live as Thou would 
And do Thy work, as we should. 

We would thank Thee for Thy love 
Coming down from Heaven above, 

Forgive the sins we've committed, 
To remember the poor and the afflicted 

That need so much to be pitied. 



PRAYERS 

Put Thy strong arm around about us, 
And protect and comfort us, 

And when life is o'er, oh then, 

Take us to dwell with Thee. Amen. 



GET RIGHT WITH GOD 

Get right with God, 

While on this earth you trod, 
Get right with God. 

Get right with God, while you may, 
Ask Him to forgive you every day; 

And keep you from going astray. 
Get right with God. 

Get right with God before too late, 
Do not ponder over your fate, 

Get right with God, 
While He is waiting at the gate, 

Get right with God. 
Get right with God, 

While He is waiting at the door, 



GET RIGHT WITH GOD 

He is calling you once more, 
Get right with God, 

Get right with God, 
And happy you will be, 

When you arrive in eternity, 
Get right with God. 



BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE 

Beautiful sunshine, 

Beautiful day; 
God's gift to man, 

If he only obey. 
Beautiful blessings, 

For him in Heaven, 
If his sins 

Have been forgiven. 
Beautiful thoughts, 

For him each day, 
If he only 

Lives this way. 



BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE 

Beautiful world, 
Whom God so loved, 

Beautiful happiness, 
In Heaven above. 

Beautiful earth, 

For man's abode 
Beautiful are 

The gifts of God. 



BEAUTIFUL SPRINGTIME 

Spring time has come at last 

The south wind is blowing a warm 
blast; 
The blue birds and robins are singing 

Their praises to God most high 
Rejoicing that the winter has gone by. 

Soon the earth will put on her coat of 

green 
And the wild flowers they will be seen 



BEAUTIFUL SPRINGTIME 

And the dandelion will come peep- 
ing through 
For everything has a work to do, 
Even I and you. 

The trees their leaves they have begun 
To form a shelter from the sun, 

The brooklet as it comes trinkling 
along, 
Is singing its song. 

Thus everything has a mission of some 
form, 
As God gives the sun to earth to 
warm, 
And the beautiful springtime 

And the changes of the season too 
To gladden the heart of I and you. 



I'LL WAIT FOR YOU ALL AT THE GATE 



I'LL WAIT FOR YOU ALL AT THE GATE 

[Composed on my mother's death bed.] 

Let me go, for the morning is breaking, 

Let me go, I no longer can wait 
I'll away to the land of the living 

And I'll wait for you all at the gate. 

I would stay, but the Master is calling; 

And the future is not a dark fate, 
No the land of the dead is most radiant 

And I'll wait for you all at the gate. 

I will come to you times from the love land, 

Your sorrow and cares to abate, 
If the Master will grant me permission, 
And I'll wait for you all at the gate. 

Oh to grace, Oh to grace, what a debtor, 
Yet the angels are around me in state, 

And the harpers are harping, I'll join them 
And I'll wait for you all at the gate. 



10 CHRISTMAS TIMES 



CHRISTMAS TIMES 

Christmas time is near at hand, 

It comes but once a year, 
Then we think about our friends 

And send them a word of cheer. 
Then we send them a token of our love, 

Or some gift on them we bestow, 
And make them feel happier 

On life's journey here below. 
Tho we may not meet together; 

Some live so far away; 
Our hearts will be in union, 

On this Christmas day. 
Then away with dull care and sorrow, 

Let no clouds their shadows cast 
To mar our joy and gladness 

Of greeting those we love best. 
Tho some sweet face we may not see 

That used to greet us on that day, 



CHRISTMAS TIMES 11 

Whose spirit has taken wings 

And flown so far away; 
When our days on earth are o'er 

May we greet those friends once more, 
And live with them for ever 

On that beautiful shore. 

Let us strive to live for others, 

And the good that we may do; 
Then life will be worth living for, 

And bring happiness to I and you; 
Let us send a message of joy 

To some one far away 
Let us cheer up some one 

On that good old Christmas day. 

May He, Who bore our sins, 

Be with us on life's way, 
And comfort and protect us, 

And drive our tears away; 



12 CHRISTMAS TIMES 

May we make some life brighter 
While here on earth we stay, 

May we always remember 

Christ's birth on Christmas day. 



TO MY DAUGHTER 
GRACE BARNEY 

My own dear bonnie lasssie, 

The only girl I had, 
I heard some bad news 

And my heart is feeling sad. 

They say your eyes look bad, 
That your face is growing thin, 

That you have some bad sickness, 
And your sickness is within. 

I heard you tried to walk 

Alone across the hall, 
Your head began to whirl 

And then you had a fall. 



TO MY DAUGHTER 13 

They took you to the hospital 

And nary good did do, 
They brought you back home, 

Home is the best for you. 

I heard the doctor called 

And comes most every day. 
I hope for sure he'll drive 

That sickness far away. 

My dear bonnie lassie, 

You looked so straight and trim; 
I wish you wasn't sick, 

It makes you look so thin. 

My own bonnie lassie, 

I nae would have you sick, 
I hope you'll soon recover 

And sae you'll get well quick. 
I want to see the color, 

Gome back into your cheek, 
And then you will be able 

To walk upon your feet. 



14 TO MY DAUGHTER 

I awake up in the morning 
And feeling rather blue, , 

I' m thinking of my bonnie lassie, 
I'm thinking most of you. 

Now may the Lord bless you, 
Comfort and protect you, 

And no more sickness distress you 
My own dear bonnie lassie. 

ON THE WAR IN EUROPE. 
Oh the War! 
The Horrid War! 
Did you ever see the like, 
All the Nations in a fight ? 
Did you ever in your life, 
See such a War — 
Such a Strife? 
Do you think it's Right— 
The People in this Plight ? 
Isn't it horrid anyway, 
To be fighting night and day ? 



ON THE WAR IN EUROPE 15 

Has the devil been turned loose, 
All the People to abuse ? 
Shall we ask Him to refrain — 
Bind the devil with a chain ? 
Have you read the Bible through ? 
Found the prophecies all true ? 
Have they not ignored God's plan, 
For to humble every man? 
All the people on earth who trod, 
Must acknowledge there is a God 
And all bend their knee, 
Ere the Lord will set them free. 



ON THE DEATH OF OUR 
FRIEND MRS. ENGEL 

Grim death has taken my neighbor, 
And her face I'll never see more, 

She has gone to the land of the living; 
Gone to that beautiful shore. 



16 ON THE DEATH OF OUR FRIEND 

She died the fifteenth of December, 
And words she never spoke more; 

Her spirit went to the One who gave it; 
Gone to that beautiful shore. 

Oh, how we will miss her, 

Her sweet smile we'll see never 
more; 
She has gone to live with the angels; 

Gone to that beautiful shore. 

Many times we will think of her, 
But she will speak to us no more, 

Her spirit has flown away; 
Gone to that beautiful shore. 

Many times we'd visit as neighbors, 

For a neighbor she lived next door. 

Now we'll cover her grave with 

flowers, 

For she is gone to that beautiful 

shore. 



ON THE DEATH OF OUR FRIEND 17 

She left a dear husband and friend; 

He will mourn for her ever more; 
He yearns for her o'er and o'er, 

For she has gone to that beautiful 
shores 

He needs her caresses, 
To help carry his trouble o'er, 

To comfort and to bless him, 

But she is gone to that beautiful 
shore. 

Now may the Lord bless him, 

Until his life is o'er 
Then may his spirit meet her, 

On that beautiful shore. 

She has gone to that beautiful land, 
Where travelers return never more. 

She has gone to sing with the angels, 
Gone to that beautiful shore. 



18 MY OWN BIRTHDAY 

MY OWN BIRTHDAY 

It's the Twenty-Second of November, 

This beautiful day; 
Sure I ought to remember, 

For it's my birthday. 

Just Seventy-Two years 

Ago to-day, 

I came into this world, 
And I came to stay. 

I've learned a thing or two 

Since this came about; 
If I lived life over, 

I'd take a different route. 

Some things that I've done, 

I'd do over again. 
But many things I've done, 

I'd try to refrain, 

Young people think they know it all, 
And feel very wise 



MY OWN BIRTHDAY 19 

If you tell them anything; 
They will look with surprise, 

My advice to young people, 

Is to be sure and not fret, 
For if you do 

You will surely regret. 

Do not despise old people, 

But heed their advice; 
Then you'll have little trouble, 

You'll get along very nice. 

If you'll start out in life 

And try to live this way, 
I'm sure you'll be happy 

And have many a birthday. 



DON'T BE SAD 

Don't be sad, 

Just be glad, 
If you're feeling bad, 



20 DON'T BE SAD 

When morning awakes you, 
Don't feel sad, 

Remember that God 
Will never forsake you, 

Just feel glad. 

If you're sad on the morrow, 
And your heart is full of sorrow, 

Don't feel sad, 
Do not any trouble borrow. 

It might be gone before to-morrow, 
And you'll feel glad. 

If some wrong does possess you, 
And you need one to caress you, 

Don't be sad, 

Ask the Lord for to bless you, 

Then your trouble won't distress you, 
You'll be glad. 

Thus when morning does awake you. 
And if trouble should o'er take you, 
Don't feel sad, 



DON'T BE SAD 21 

Trust the Lord, 
Ere He takes you, 
Just feel glad. 

Now the morning is just a'breaking, 
And if you're just awakening, 

Don't feel sad, 

Remember the Lord did protect you, 

Ask Him through this day to direct 
you, 
Just feel glad. 



TO THE ROBIN 

Beautiful robin redbreast, 
I love thy beautiful song; 

I could listen to thy music 
All day long. 

Perched upon the tree top, 
So early in the day, 



22 TO THE ROBIN 

Singing your sweet carols, 
And then you fly away. 

You awake me from my slumbers, 

I can no longer sleep, 
You drive dull care away, 

When the sun begins to peep. 

Dear robin redbreast, 

I'll miss you when gone away, 

To awake me from my slumbers 
At early dawn of day. 

I wait for the spring time, 
The first robin to come along. 

And sit near my window, 
And sing her sweet song. 

She sings best in the spring time, 
When the winter is gone away, 

Her song is much sweeter 
And she comes every day. 

She awakes me up in the morning, 
Just at the peep of day, 



TO THE ROBIN 23 

I must be out to do my chores, 
And drive the cows away. 

She built her nest in the tree top, 

Carried worms all day long, 
Now teaching her birdies to fly, 

And their first song. 

Now hurry up robin, 

You ought to be going, 
For the north wind is blowing, 

And it soon will be snowing. 

Now fly away robin, 

To the South where it's warm, 
Gome back in the spring, 

When the snow is all gone. 



24 THE LONG EARED HOUND 

THE LONG EARED HOUND 

Once on a time, some years ago 

When the new settlers struck 

The first blow, 

A man said to himself, 

I'll go out on a farm, 

Clear the land up 

Build house and barn; 

I am going to day, 

If it is far away, 

I'm going there to live 

And I'm going to stay. 

Now the farm not fenced, 

And nary a rail; 

The road just cut through, 

Was just like a trail; 

Not a house in sight 

For one mile or two, 

And the road so rough, 

You'd scarcely get through. 



THE LONG EARED HOUND 25 

Now to get through the winter, 

The man did'nt fear 

For around about here 

There was plenty of deer. 

He kept a big hound, 

That never did fail, 

A long eared dog, 

To follow a trail. 

Now it happened one day, 

That their little girl 

Went out for to play, 

And wandered far away; 

When her mother found out, 

She searched the wood about, 

Game back without her, 

Said: Lost, without a doubt, 

Go tell your father 

To come here quick, 

For Nellie is lost, 

And I'm just sick. 

What is the matter, 



26 THE LONG EARED HOUND 

Can't you find the child ? 

No. She is lost, 

And I'm just wild. 

Go find the dog! 

Here he comes with a bound, 

I've got great confidence 

In that long eared hound, 

Our Nellie is lost, 

He said to the hound: 

You must not give up 

Till the darling is found. 

We showed him the track, 

And away went the hound 

A bellowing along 

With his nose on the ground. 

That dog will find her 

I have little fear; 

He is on the trail 

Like the trail of a deer. 

Boys get the lantern, 

It is getting dark, 



THE LONG EARED HOUND 27 

And I'll stay here, 

To hear the dog bark. 

There comes the lantern, 

It looks like a spark, 

To guide us on our way 

And through the dark. 

Has the dog gone 

Yes, out of sight. 

I'm afraid he won't find her; 

Oh! I'm in such a fright; 

Oh! Hark I heard a noise 

Away off this way, 

I' m sure he has found her, 

I can tell by his bay. 

We now push ahead, 

Through the darkness we fight. 

I'm sure we'll find her 

If it takes us all night. 

Here comes the dog, 

To meet us half way, 

Now he goes back, 



28 THE LONG EARED HOUND 

To where the child lay, 
And when we come near; 
The dog seemed to say: 
I'm trying to get her, 
To come back this way. 
Now we started back 
Still faster than before, 
For mother will be waiting 
And standing in the door. 
She takes her in her arms, 
And presses her so tight, 
If it wasn't for the dog, 
You'd stayed out all night. 
Give the dog his supper, 
And make him a bed, 
If the dog hadn't found her, 
She might have been dead. 
Now we'll always remember, 
The child the dog found, 
And never forget 
That long eared hound. 



TO THE BOY 29 

TO THE BOY 

When starting out in life, boy, 

You'll find it quite a strife. 
It is slow getting ahead 

When starting out in life.' 

But if you'll persevere, boy, 

When at school I said, 
You'll conquer many lessons 

And then you'll go ahead. 

If things go wrong, boy, 

No use to sit and whine; 
Just try it over again, 

Try it the second time. 

When you're in trouble, boy, 
And a friend you need, 
If a friend does help you, 
He's a friend indeed. 

When you're out of money, boy, 
It isn't any crime, 



30 TO THE BOYS 

Try and earn some more, 

And then you'll feel prime. 

When you had plenty money, boy, 
Your friends by you stood, 

Tell them boughten friendship 
Isn't any good. 

When you climb the ladder, boy, 

Do not look back, 
Some one behind you, 

Will put you off the track. 

Always remember, boy, 

There's room at the top, 
Do not look downward, 

You might accidentally drop. 

To get to the top of the ladder, boy, 
You'll find quite a chase, 

Look at the crowd of people, 
Standing at the base. 

Now have courage and patience boy, 
There is plenty room at the top; 



TO THE BOYS 31 

Keep your eye on the top of the ladder, 
And go up, hip a ta hop. 

Now remember the President, boy, 
He started at the bottom like you, 

But with persistent effort, 
He climbed to the top too. 



ON THE LIFE OF 
ROBERT BURNS 

Poor Robert Burns, 

I hardly know what to say, 
A life just thrown away; 

To think what you might 've been, 
Had you lived a different way. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

My heart with passion burns, 
I could shed tears of sorrow 

Upon thy grave, 
And cover it with ferns. 



32 ON THE LIFE OF ROBERT BURNS 

Poor Robert Burns, 

My heart for thee just yearns; 
Gould I've lived 

In those days, 
And given your life a different turn. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

The blame is'nt all on you, 

I blame your parents too 

For not bringing up their boy, 

In the way that he should go. 

Poor Robert Burns. 

If good seed had been sown in your 
heart, 
And learned to read the bible too, 
You'd had something to've helped 
you, 
To fight your battles through. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

Your father was poor they say, 
Gould'nt give you the attention he 
should; 



ON THE LIFE OF ROBERT BURNS 33 

You had to earn your own living, 
And get along the best you could. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

You were thrown into bad company 
And they were intemperate too, 

That was a very bad place 
For such a boy as you. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

If a boy keeps bad company, 
They set a bad example all through, 
You can't expect anything else, 

But you'll be intemperate too. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

If you'd looked into the bible, 
And seen what the bible says: 

That the wicked shall not live 
Out half their days. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

You came not for to stay, 
And your life soon passed away; 



34 ON THE LIFE OF ROBERT BURNS 

If you could have lived longer, 
Before you went away. 

Poor Robert Burns, 
Not many can appreciate, 

The greatness of your mind, 
To put out such a book; 

And make it all in rhyme. 

Poor Robert Burns, 

Thou hast gone to another shore, 
But thy thoughts are still here as before 

And are cherished by thy people, 
In their memory for evermore. 



TO THE OLD MAN 

Surely it is no 

World of bliss, 
When an old man, 

Has outlived 
His days of usefulness. 



TO THE OLD MAN 35 

They hustle him 

In the corner. 
The young want full sway, 

They don't want him around. 
He is always in the way. 

The young folks forget 

What the old folks 
Have done for them one day. 

They only want the old folks, 
Out of the way. 
The young folks don't remember, 

The many weary nights, 
The old have laid awake 

To comfort and protect you, 
Just for your sake. 

The young folks may remember, 
When the old have gone away, 

That some time, some day, 
That they too will be old, 

And they will have to obey. 



36 TO THE OLD MAN 

If you want to tell them anything, 

They think they know it all, 
They seem so very wise, 
They don't want anything 
Of the old man' s advice. 

Now when they go away, 
Some times they go to stay; 

I fear they keep bad company, 
So my head gets flurried, 

For my children I am worried. 

My life will soon be o'er, 
I've lived out most my days, 

But I've something for to say, 
To the young men of to-day, 

Do not throw your life away. 

Now remember what I say, 
Take a lesson from this day, 

Be sure this lesson to keep: 
"Whatsoever a man soweth, 

That shall he also reap." 



COURTSHIP 37 

COURTSHIP 

When I was young, 

And things went fair, 
I built castles in the air; 

I courted a girl, 
My neighbor, you see, 

Thought she was right 
As right could be. 

She was rich, I poor, they say 

Things always seemed 
To work that way. 

She was very kind to me, 
But was puzzled, you see, 

Would not change her name, 
For her mother was to blame. 

When I went to see the girl, 

I had to have an excuse, 
For to see the boys, 

But it wasn't of any use. 
I thought I'd be a little bolder, 



38 COURTSHIP 

But her mother gave me 
The cold shoulder. 

She told the girl, 

That she must mind. 
So my attention she declined. 

But she was pleasant 
Just the same, 

If her mother 
Was to blame. 

Now she kept company, 

With my chum, 
And their courtship 

Was begun. 
Her mother thought it would do, 

For the boy's father was rich too, 
So they carried the thing through. 

She married my chum. 

I put on a long face, 
You'll repent some day, 

At a long pace. 



COURTSHIP 39 

My pride had been hurt, 

And hurt to stay. 
So I went my way. 

Then I courted another, 

With greater success. 
Had the good will of her parents, 

I must confess. 
Before I was married, 

I went home once more, 
Saw the girl I courted before. 

I heard the news you see. 

Her husband had died, 
And now she was free, 

Was pleasant as ever, 
But I could'nt see, 

To marry second hand, 
That didn't suit me. 



40 MARRIED LIFE 

MARRIED LIFE 

People are ill fated, 

Because they're nae mated; 
Thus it's hard to find 

Two dispositions in one mind. 

When starting out in life, 
You'll find it quite a strife. 

A business for your life, 
To hunt you up a wife. 

You'll find it a puzzle, 

And a puzzle for your life, 

When you make up your mind, 
To take to you a wife. 

You went among the girls, 
In early part of life, 

You thought you could easily, 
Pick you out a wife. 

You thought you knew 
Their disposition; 



MARRIED LIFE 41 

But they'll fool you, that is so, 
Wait till you get married. 

They'll tell you a thing or two, 

That you did'nt know, 
And then you'll find 

A different row to hoe. 

You need not be surprised, 

For women have a faculty 
Of pulling the wool 

Over men's eyes. 

You ask them a question 

That concerns them, 
They'll look surprised, it is a fact, 

They'll put you off the track. 

For that is their tact, 

You'll find it out that way, 
If you're married some day, 

It's a problem any way. 

You'll have to do the best you can, 
Or else live a single man; 



42 MARRIED LIFE 

It is hard to find a perfect rose, 
Dr. Franklin he knows. 

It's either the ruin or the makin' 
When a man his wife is takin' 

I am sure it's so you know, 
For Dr. Franklin says it's so. 

I'm sometimes thinking, 

There is as many ruined, 

As there is a making, 

When I look around and see 

So many men a different 

Wife a taking. 

Now the women are'nt all to blame, 

There is some bad men just the same; 

Its a conundrum anyway, 

To get through this world; 

Without a fracas or a fray. 

If you're not a feeling well, 

And your things are all pell mell, 

And you're rather out of sort, 



MARRIED LIFE 43 

Do not cut your words too short. 
There is one thing is'nt white, 
And is'nt using others right, 
For to accuse them of something, 
And bad words at them fling, 
There is two sides just the same, 
May be they're not to blame, 
Better wait a while and see, 
And find out for a certainty, 
Then you'll know without a doubt, 
Before you kick your neighbor out, 
If a man comes home, 
And finds the house 
Up side down in a hub a dub, 
He is apt to go to the club; 
Did'nt use to be this way, 
Now the woman wants the sway, 
She goes to the club, stays all day, 
The man comes home tired of life, 
Has to go to his neighbors 
To hunt up his wife; 



44 MARRIED LIFE 

Now put up with some things, 

Having trouble, only stings, 

Then you'll be living just right, 

For it takes two 

To make a fight. 

Now be satisfied with your wife, 

She's your partner for life. 

If she is a good cook, 

Keeps the house clean in every nook, 

Sets a table for a queen, 

Is'nt afraid to be seen, 

Then you'll begin to open your eyes, 

Surely you have got a prize. 

If you'd married a book read woman, 

That could converse on any subject, 

You'd have to be learned yourself, 

Else you'd be a pitiful object, 

You'd have to learn to read and rhyme, 

Or else stay at home half the time. 

If a man is a married man, 

He has to get along the best he can; 



MARRIED LIFE 45 

There was a man who lived this way, 

When he came home, 

He came to rest and stay. 

If his wife for to fret 

Was surely bent. 

Took his hat and out he went. 

A man working hard to get ahead, 

Thought he'd husk corn 

Instead of going to bed. 

So he went on to the farm, 

Not a thinking any harm; 

When he returned, it was quite late, 

But did'nt know what was his fate; 

His wife still up, was looking blue, 

And she had been crying too, 

But when to her he did explain, 

Then she cooled down again. 

If you're feeling sad at any time, 

Sing a song if it does'nt rhyme. 

But I think I know a better way, 

You'll think I'm right some other day. 



46 MARRIED LIFE 

If you're sad, it will help you through. 
Now I am getting tired, as well as you; 
If at any time, you're feeling blue, 
Just start reading the bible through, 
Then you'll be good as well as wise, 
For taking the Lord's advice. 

THE HAPPIEST TIME IN LIFE 

The happiest time, 

In my life to me. 
Was when a child at play 

And full of glee. 

When my mother shared in, 

My sorrow and joy, 
And said: "Never mind, 

You're mother's big boy." 

When sorrow o'er came me, 
In her arms she'd take me, 

And soothed my sorrow, 
Till sleep o'er take me. 



THE HAPPIEST TIME IN LIFE 47 

Then back to her work, 
Till I awakened to my play, 
For she watched o'er me, 
Both night and day. 
And when grown up, 
And out in the world, 
Sometimes would get flurried, 
But would not tell mother, 
For fear she'd be worried; 
So my feelings I'd smother, 
But did not forget 
My own dear mother. 
But now I've grown old, 
And sit in my rocker, 
And rock so slow, 
Thinking of by-gone days 
And of years long ago. 
And the happiest days 
In my life to me, 
Is when I laid my head 
On my mother's knee, 



48 THE HAPPIEST TIME IN LIFE 

And cried out my sorrow, 
And received her caresses, 
"Never mind my boy, 
I'll heal it with kisses." 
Of all friends to a boy, 
Let it be sister or brother, 
The greatest friend to a boy 
Is the boy's dear mother. 

YEARS GONE BY 

We're sitting in the parlor. 

My wife and I, 

Talking over old times 

That have gone by, 

Of times when we first 

Started out in life. 

How hard we worked, 

And what a strife; 

Of the trials and the joys, 

That we passed through, 

To raise one girl, four boys, 



YEARS GONE BY 49 



That was something to do; 

But now they're grown up, 

And left father and mother, 

They've gone for themselves, 

Both sister and brother. 

We never lost one, 

For sure we were blessed, 

But the birdies have flown, 

Out of the nest. 

There is one consolation though, 

They obeyed their parents. 

It seems to be true, 

And we taught them, 

The best we knew. 

Now we are looking; 

For the mail boy, 

To come this way, 

Expecting a letter, 

Most any day. ' 

Now out of the house, 

Mother goes on the run, 

4 



50 YEARS GONE BY 

Tears open the letter, 

And reading begun. 

Dear father and mother, 

That live so far away, 

I thought I would write you, 

This very day, 

And tell you the news 

That came this way. 

A bouncing big boy, 

The pride of the father, 

And the joy of the mother, 

So how does this sound ?, 

He is eleven weeks old, 

And weighs seventeen pounds. 

So the years pass away, 

And the father and mother, 

Will soon be laid away, 

Then the children will think 

Of their old home far away. 



ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER 51 

ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER 

I received the news to-day, 

It came from far away, 
They said my sister passed away, 

And they laid her body in the grave. 

Oh! Sad was the news, 
My heart was filled with woes; 
What she suffered 
No one knows. , 

Oh ! Sad is my fate, 

Like a bird lost its mate; 
All night I laid awake, 

Thinking of my sister. 

She has gone never to return, 

My heart for her just yearns, 
Oh ! Cover her grave with ferns; 

My dear sister. 

I tasted the bitter cup, 
And was all broken up, 



52 ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER 

And they'll cover her up 
In her grave. 

Her face we'll see no more, 
She won't speak as of yore, 

And with beautiful flowers, 
They'll cover her grave o'er. 

Gould I've been there that day, 

But it was so far away, 
I would have shed tears of sorrow, 
To sprinkle the flowers on her grave. 

They said she suffered when she died, 
Oh! How I would have cried, 

If I'd been by her bed side 
In her last hours. 

She has gone to live with the angels, 

On that beautiful shore, 
She has gone to sing with the angels, 

For ever more. 

She left her friends in sorrow, 
They'll think of her on the morrow, 



ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER 53 

But she's gone to her future home, 
No more on earth to roam. 

Now when our life is o'er, 

We do the Lord implore, 
That we will see her face once more, 

On that beautiful shore. 

If we live good and brave, 
And the Lord our soul will save, 

To us her hand she'll wave, 
On that beautiful shore. 

Oh how we'll miss her, 

Her sweet smile we'll see never 
more, 
She has gone to that beautiful shore, 
Where no traveler returns ever- 
more. 

She was the youngest of seven, 

Now she has gone to Heaven: 
When a child we played together, 

That time I'll not forget, no never. 



54 ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER 

Oh beautiful home, 

How sweet to think, 
When our loved ones. 

Are torn from us. 
When our days are o'er, 

That on the other shore, 
A better home awaits us. 

For ever more. 



A WHITE HAIRED MAN 

There was a white haired man, 

Who lived in our town, 
He had an office, 

And was somewhat renowned. 

He walked down town, 

Twice a day, 
And he lived 

Quite faraway. 



A WHITE HAIRED MAN 55 

This walking on foot, 

Is so very slow, 
I will try and find 

Another way to go. 

So he trudged along, 

When well under way, 
Saw a boy on a wheel, 
A coming his way. 

And he stopped the boy, 

To inquire the price; 
You seem to be riding 

Along very nice. 

Oh the price of a wheel, 
If new, a good price command, 

If you want a cheap one, 

Of course it'll be second hand. 

Does it ride easy ? 

Do you think I could learn ? 
Yes, you balance yourself, 

And give the treadles a turn. 



56 A WHITE HAIRED MAN 

I don't see any reason why, 

That you can't 
Ride a wheel 

Just as well as I. 

So he jumped 

Into the saddle, 
Put his foot on the treadles, 

And away he did fly. 

Now that boy 

Is just right, 
I'll buy a wheel 

This very night. 

Have it sent up 

To my home, 
So when I commence to ride, 

I'll sure be alone. 

So up in the morning, 
The weather being fair, 

If I break in that wheel, 
Sure I've no time to spare. 



A WHITE HAIRED MAN 57 

I got onto the wheel, 

And gave it a stride, 
And the thing went 

Right flat on its side. 

I'll try it over 

Just the same, 
If I should get bruised, 

And do get lame. 

I'm not going to 

Be beat, dog-gon; 
But the thing bucked, 
And sent me headlong. 

To ride a bronco, 

You must be patient like Job, 
But I never rode a bronco, 

I did not want to get thrown. 

So I tried it again, 
Times eight or nine. 



58 A WHITE HAIRED MAN 

Finally the thing, 
Went off quite fine. 

Till I came to the corner, 

To turn you see, 
And there loomed up 

A great big tree. 

I looked straight 

Ahead you see, 
But my eyes ran the wheel, 

Right into the tree. 

I went back again, 

Rubbed my eyes for to see, 
But could not keep from runninj 

The wheel into the tree. 

I picked myself up, 
And said, confound it, 

I ought to have known enough, 
To go around it. 



A WHITE HAIRED MAN 59 

I ought to have known 

I could'nt run this tree down, 
For the roots are 

Deep in the ground. 

And I stood there, 

My head in a whirl; 
I've seen folks ride a wheel, 

Even a girl. 

So someone took pity, 

On the man on the wheel, 
Who was so bruised 

His head did reel. 

And said to the man. 

Of somewhat renown, 
It's a wonder to me 

You had'nt broke your crown. 

If you want to ride a wheel, 

Or skate on the ice, 
You ought to've asked, 

Some one's advice, 



60 A WHITE HAIRED MAN 

If you'll look at the path, 

Instead of the tree, 
You will ride along, 

As nice as can be. 

And now he tried it, 

Once or twice, 
And was thankful, 

For the man's advice. 

So the man with white hair, 

Somehow did feel, 
It took more than book learning, 

To ride a wheel. 

THE FROG 

There was an old frog, 
Who lived in a spring, 

Had such a bad cold, 
He couldn't sing. 

So he hopped out, 
Out of the spring, 



THE FROG 61 



To search for his wife, 
To help him sing. 

He opened his eyes, 

To see if he'd find, 
But when he found her, 

She was not inclined. 

Do you want me to 
Sing at sunrise ? 
Then the frog winked, 
And looked with surprise. 

Then said the frog, 

Did you ever in your life, 
See one called down 

So by his wife ? 

She said you're a growler, 
Thus said his wife, 

I've sang for you 
Most all my life. 

If you'll use me civil, 
I'll be a good wife, 



62 THE FROG 

Then we'll get along 
Without any strife. 

It's a shame to quarrel, 

Now can't you see, 
Us two frogs educated 

To such a high degree. 

Then said the frog my voice is 
coarse, 

And yours is fine; 
If we'd sing together 

We might make a rhyme. 

So they started together, 

But did'nt agree. 
Frogs have their trouble, 

You plainly can see. 

Frogs are smart to contrive. 

It's a job to catch 'em alive, 
When you think you've got them 

He will make a dive. 



THE FROG 63 

They know how 

To dodge a blow 
From the sticks, 

Which bad boys throw. 

So they hopped back. 

Into the spring, 
For fear some one, 

A stick would fling, 

We all have our troubles, 

Both young and old, 
Frogs have their trouble, 

They don't like the cold. 

They'll come out again, 

When it's warm and bright, 
Frogs sing the best, 

When it's warm and at night. 

SCHOOL DAYS 

When I was young, 
And went to school, 



64 SCHOOL DAYS 

To learn to read and rhyme; 

I played among the boys and girls, 

To pass away the time; 

I went home with the girls, 

As often as I could, 

For they did live you see, 

In the same neighborhood; 

And they were very good to me, 

I thought them very nice, 

So I put my arm around their neck, 

And kissed them once or twice. 

The boys did'nt mean 

To be so very rude, 

You see they only wanted 

To be so very good; 

The boys and girls in those days, 

And so it seemed to me, 

They were just like one big family. 

When playing in the snow, 

Some would get hurt you know, 

And tears come in their eyes; 



SCHOOL DAYS 65 

The others would come running up, 

To see the reason why; 

It mattered not who they were, 

Either girl or boy, 

They'd put their arms 

Around their neck 

And coax them not to cry. 

Now the girls and boys in those days, 

They didn't mind the snow, 

They rolled and tumbled into it, 

And didn't cry or faint; 

The boys washed their faces; so 

They didn't have to paint; 

Their cheeks were red as any rose, 

The city girls paint 

Theirs, I suppose, 

If they don't, who knows. 

The boys and girls, 

Who go to school, 

You take it as a rule, 

They say some naughty things, 

5 



66 SCHOOL DAYS 

When playing out of school, 

Sure, they didn't mean no harm, 

And the girls were so wise, 

They went along with the boys, 

A sliding on the ice. 

I was thinking of one girl to-day, 

They've moved the neigbors say, 

They've gone across the ocean, 

It is so far away; 

It does me good to think of her, 

And drive dull care away; 

I haven't seen those boys or girls, 

Time has so quickly flown, 

I suppose the most of them, 

Have gone to their future home. 

Now we have nearly run our race, 

Others will have to take our place, 

But I think they'll not run the pace, 

Like us children did. 

Now when the rest of us, 

On earth no more do roam, 

I hope I'll see those boys and girls, 

In their future home. 



MERRY CHRISTMAS TIME 67 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TIME 

To-morrow is Christmas day, 

The children will want to play, 
For it's the custom this way, 

For the children to have a good time, 
On a Christmas day. 

We must bundle up our feet, 

For the snow is knee deep, 
And hitch up the sleigh, 

And drive out to-day, 
To get a Christmas tree. 

The children count the days, 

And think of the sleighs, 
For they are full of glee, 

And they want a spree, 
On the Christmas day. 

The children away to school, 

To get their education. 
But it is the rule of the nation, 

To have a vacation, 
On Christmas day. 



68 MERRY CHRISTMAS TIME 

Now it's grandpa's pride, 
To give the young folks a ride, 

So we'll hitch to the sleigh, 
Fill it half full of hay, 

On this merry Christmas day. 

Now the bells, laid away, 

Will have to come out to-day, 

For the children like it well, 
To listen to the bells, 

On Christmas day. 

The children are feeling gay, 
All huddled in the sleigh, 

They enjoy it, you know, 
As o'er the hills we go, 

On a Christmas day. 

Grandma will be waiting, 
For she has been baking, 

The first thing to catch your eye, 
Is a turkey and mince pie. 

On this Christmas day. 



MERRY CHRISTMAS TIME 69 

Now the table to clear away, 

We've fared sumptuous to-day; 
We'll help one another, 

Both sister and brother, 
On Christmas day. 

Now we've all had our play, 

We'll thank God for this day, 
That a year from to-day, 

We'll meet again this way, 
On next Christmas day. 

Now when Christmas is through, 

And our lives are spared too, 
We should always have in view, 

To make others happy too, 
On Christmas day. 

OLD AND PRESENT TIME S 

In olden times, and in those days, 
When people didn't have 
Those new fangledways, 
They were not afraid to ride 



70 OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 

In an old fashioned sleigh, 

A lumber wagon or a one horse chaise; 

But now they have got, 

Different style, different ways: 

That wasn't the style 

In our grandfather's days. 

If you'd ask a girl now 

To take an old fashioned sleigh ride, 

She'd be apt to tell you, 

It would be shocking to her pride, 

If you have not got an automobile, 

Or a ship in the air; 

Then she will tell you, 

I've no time to spare; 

It's either an automobile, 

Or a ship in the sky, 

If you can't go that way, 

Then you're a cheap guy. 

They wear such tight dresses, 

They can't bend, you know, 

That is one of the reasons 



OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 71 

Why they can't go. 

Now it used to be this way, 

The boys hitch to the sleigh. 

Fill it half full of blankets, 

And half full of hay, 

The boys helped the girls in, 

All tucked to their chin, 

And away they would ride, 

By the mountain side, 

Each boy had a girl 

Sitting by his side, 

Or else it wouldn't be, 

An old fashioned sleigh ride, 

The boys gave the horses 

Two extra meals, 

So that the snow, 

Wouldn't stick to their heels. 

Now when the boys, 

Wanted some fun, 

They started the horses 

Up on the run, 



72 . OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 

Now the snow balls, 

Would begin to fly, 

Off from the heels, 

And the girls would squeal. 

They all enjoyed their sleigh ride. 

And now stop at a house, 

On the road side, 

They all seemed to know, 

That there was to be, 

An old fashioned apple paring bee; 

The boys pared the apples. 

And the girls did core, 

Until every thing was full, 

And some on the floor; 

Then we put the chairs all in a circle, 

In order to play thimble, 

You had to be nimble; 

Next we played snap and catch em, 

You had to be quick at this, 

Or you'd miss a kiss. 

The next was the supper, 



OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 73 

Which they did all enjoy. 
And then each girl, 
Hunted up her boy; 
It's time to go home, 
Get on your things. 
The girls wore hoods, 
That tied on with strings. 
And away they went, 
By the mountain side. 
And they'll never forget, 
The old fashioned sleigh ride. 

OLD HOME 

I was thinking to-day, 
Of my old home far away, 
Where as a child I used to play, 
In the old Redford town; 
How the country schools, 
Were all painted red, 
A fad, the neighbors said, 
In those days. 



74 OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 

How us children went to school, 

So we wouldn't be a fool, 

Sometimes we broke the rules, 

At the school. 

How the teacher made a rule, 

To keep us after school, 

If we broke the rule, 

During school. 

At recess, we would play, 

And sometimes run away. 

With pollywogs we'd play, 

At the pool. 

When there was plenty snow, 

The boys began to throw, 

Some ran in the school 

That didn't want to fool; 

Then the teacher spoke, 

It won't be any joke, 

If a window is broke, 

In the school. 

Some boys for a joke, 



OLD AND PRESENT TIMES 75 

The teacher would provoke, 

They'd have to take off their coat. 

Then it wasn't any joke. 

We'd make a bonfire on the ice, 

For the girls were very fond, 

Of skating on the pond, 

In those happy days. 

In the spring time of the year, 

We'd get fishpole and spear, 

When a freshet did appear, 

To the river we would steer. 

Time has soon passed away. 

If there is any alive to-day, 

They'll think how they used to play, 

In those days. 

MY MOTHER 

How lonely seems my home to me, 
Since my mother I no longer see, 

All hopes and joys have fled away, 
And left in my heart a vacancy. 



76 MY MOTHER 

I've nothing left but a mother's blessing, 
As she stroked my hair with love caressing, 

She layed her hand on my head with love, 
And bade me put my trust in God above. 

We often wonder why it should be, 

The truest and best of them all, 
The one most needed in my youth was thee, 

And still thou was the first to hear the call. 

Her spirit on earth no longer could stay, 

She has gone to her heavenly home far away. 

But I feel her presence, like a heavenly dove, 
My trials and troubles to abate with her love. 

The words of comfort she had spoken, 

Long days before she died, 
They will linger with me always, 

Will be a help and a guide. 

And when my heart is sad, 

And when lonely fears arise, 
I'll think of those divine words, 

That Jesus said: " Low I am with you always" 



THE TRAMP 77 



THE TRAMP 



A young man that leaves his home, 
And starts out in the world to roam, 

Makes a very bad mistake; 
Sometimes finds it out too late. 

It's a horrid thing to be roaming about, 

Driven here and there, sometimes kicked out, 

Sometimes half clothed and half fed, 
Roaming around without any bed. 

Sometimes know not where to lay your head; 

You have to sleep in a barn or an old shed. 
If you ask to stay over night, you'll surely fail; 

Oft' times you land in the jail. 

Oh, poor tramping creature, 

What prospects for thee in the future; 

Of troubles and trials he sees not a few, 

And knows what it is to have nothing to do. 

There are many tramps, some good, some bad, 
And among them some look very sad; 



78 THE TRAMP 

They seem to think that everything is blue, 

And are roaming around wanting nothing to do. 

Men that have plenty to do seldom get blue; 

You seem to want nothing to do. 
It is hard to live this indolent way, 

I should think you'd find out it didn't pay. 

Then you are like the prodigal son, 
Ashamed to go back where you started from. 

Your mother would welcome you with joy, 
You were once her darling boy. 

Do not think the world will care for you, 
If you roam around, want nothing to do. 

There is plenty of labor if you want something to do, 
Then the world will think something of you. 

A DREAM 

I had a dream the other night 

When all around was still; „ 
I dreamed I saw a cottage white 

And the old grist mill. 



A DREAM 79 

I dreamed I was a boy again, 

A playing by the stream; 
When I awoke I found out then 

It was only but a dream. 

I dreamed I saw the boys and girls; 

How natural it did seem. 
Some of the girls that used to wear curls, 

Were there to be seen. 
I dreamed I saw the old wooden shop 

That used to run by steam; 
When I awoke I found out 

It was only but a dream. 

I dreamed I saw the old mill pond, 

Where skating we had our fill, 
And there was the old saw mill, 

And the saw logs on the hill. 
I dreamed I saw the swimming place, 

A little further up the stream, 
When I awoke I found out, 

It was only but a dream. 



80 A DREAM 

I dreamed I saw the old mill race, 

Where the water run the mill, 
And then I saw the same place, 

Where we went sliding down the hill. 
I dreamed the bridge stood in same place, 

Where it crossed the river stream, 
When I awoke I found out, 

It was only but a dream. 

I dreamed I saw the old store, 

Where once I used to clerk, 
And then I saw the old farm, 

Where many times I worked, 
I dreamed I saw the wide spreading elm, 

That stood by the stream, 
When I awoke I found out, 

It was only but a dream. 

I dreamed I saw the old house, 

That used to be my home, 
I walked along the river banks, 

Where once I used to roam, 



A DREAM 81 

I dreamed I went a fishing too, 

Down by the mill stream, 
When I awoke I found out, 

It was only but a dream. 

I dreamed I saw the barn and sheds, 

And the meadow far away, 
What times us children used to have, 

A playing upon the hay; 
I dreamed I saw the cattle too, 

And the good old team, 
But when I awoke I found out, 

It was nothing but a dream. 

I haven't seen that good old home, 

For more than twenty years, 
I think sometimes of my early days, 

Sometimes I shed some tears; 
Time has so quickly flown away, 

Life is so short it seems, 
When I awake I find out, 

Life is but a dream. 



82 ON THE BEACH BY THE SEA 

ON THE BEACH BY THE SEA 

In a humble little cottage, 

Standing near the rolling waves, 
There my heart is ever turning, 

Thinking of by-gone days; 
It was there when first I met you, 

And those were happy days, 
When we walked along the beach, 

Listening to the rolling waves. 

It was the happiest time in life, 

Happiest for you and me, 
Young and free from care and strife, 

When we walked the beach by the sea, 
Oh give me a home near the beach, 

Where the rolling waves I can see, 
Then let me be walking with thee, 
Along the beach by the sea. 

In this world I could ask nothing more, 
Than to walk on this beautiful shore; 



ON THE BEACH BY THE SEA 83 

It's the most beautiful place to me, 
To walk on the beach by the sea; 

I love to take a stroll every night, ; 

Beneath the moon's pale light, 

Then the beautiful stars you can see, 
When walking on the beach by the sea. 

I love to see the sun's first rays, 

As they strike the rolling waves, 
And the white caps you can see, 

When walking the beach by the sea; 
I love to watch the incoming tide, 

As it rolls over the beach so wide, 
It's a pride and a wonder to me, 

As we stroll along by the sea. 

At eve when the sun is gone away, 

Then down to the shore we would stray, 

And our hearts were so light and so free 
Roaming on the beach by the sea. 

I love the sparkling waves, all crested 
with foam, 

As along the beach we roam, 
There is nothing so dear to me, 

As a home by the dark blue sea. 



84 THE OLD HOUSE AT HOME 

THE OLD HOUSE AT HOME 
I was thinking to-day, 

Of the old house at home, 
And of my childhood days; 

Where I used to roam, 
Where mother taught me the prayer, 

Which every night I said, 
Then she kissed me good night, 

In my cozy little bed, 
The old house at home, 

Where I used to roam. 

In that good old home, 

No longer do I stay, 
And it's many a day, 

Since I moved away; 
In the front yard, 

Is the old locust tree, 
Now the home of a stranger 

Henceforth it must be, 
The old house at home 

Where I no longer roam. 



THE OLD HOUSE AT HOME 85 

There were beautiful flowers, 

In the front yard, 
And the land around about, 

Where I worked so hard; 
The porch, the red rose 

On the lattice where it grows. 
And the beautiful woodbine 

On the porch entwined; 
The old house at home, 

Where once I did roam. 

Oh my boyhood's early days, 

Which are now but a dream, 
And the wide spreading elm, 

That stood by the stream; 
No one knew how much I loved 

That old house and home; 
And I never shall forget 

The old house at home. 
The old house at home, 

Where once I used to roam. 



86 ' THE OCEAN BEACH 

THE OCEAN BEACH 

When I had time to spare, 

I loved to breath the morning air, 
And just at the peep of day, 

To walk upon the narrow way, 
That led up the mountain side, 

And watch the rolling tide, 
Roll over the beach so wide, 

And dash against the rocks; 
And the sea gulls were in flocks. 

Scaling over the mountain tops, 

I would watch the mountain peak, 
All covered with snow and sleet; 

And when the first rays of the sun, 
Would climb the mountain steep, 

It was a beautiful surprise, 
It would most dazzle your eyes, 

Under the dark blue skies, 
On this beautiful sunrise. 



THE OCEAN BEACH 87 

When tired looking at the ocean beach, 

Look out upon the vast waters, 
As far as your eyes can reach, 

And see the sparkling waves, 
Beneath the sun's morning rays, 

And see the great orb of light, 
That has driven away the night, 

And has come back this way, 
To give us another beautiful day, 

Now turn around your eyes, 

And meet another beautiful surprise, 
On this morning sunrise, 

Beneath these far western skies, 
And take in this grand view, 

Of this beautiful landscape below; 
See the winding brook where it flows, 

Formed by the melting snows, 
Smell the fragrance in the air. 

Of the beautiful flowers and the rose, 
Breath in the cool and bracing air, 



88 THE OCEAN BEACH 

And then thank the Lord, 

To thank Him, is not more than fair, 
For this beautiful refreshing air, 

And this beautiful landscape below; 
Now we must homeward go, 

Going down the hill side on the run, 
Refreshed by the morning sun. 

ROSY MOUND 

One mile from Grand Haven town, 
Is a hill they call Rosy Mound; 
As a country resort, 
It is very much renowned; 
This Rosy Mound is quite steep, 
Some three hundred feet above the ground; 
And when you get up there, 
You can see for miles around; 
This hill is composed of sand, 
To climb this mound, you'll think it grand, 
When walking, the sand slips under your 
feet, 



ROSY MOUND 89 

But you'll think it a great treat, 
To climb this hill is quite a feat, 
But you'll have so much fun, 
Slipping back to where you begun, 
Or go down hill on the run, 
Now you're out for a little fun; 
If you slip back once or twice, 
When you get to the top, 
You'll think it very nice, 
You can look out over the lake, 
See the waves as they break- 
Take in the scenery all around, 
On the top of Rosy Mound; 
There is one thing I wish to mention 
There are more young men pop the question, 
On the top of Rosy Mound, 
Than you'll find for miles around. 
This mound was covered with flowers, 
And you could sit there for hours, 
But they took away more than their share, 
Now there is hardly any more there. 



90 EARLY SETTLERS 

EARLY SETTLERS 

My father came to Detroit in an early day, 

The city was small when he came that way, 

And when he did arrive, 

It was the year eighteen hundred and thirty-five, 

Then the streets were all mud, 

Sometimes up to the hub; 

After while he went west, 

For he thought it was best; 

Built a log house in the woods, 

Started a store, filled it with goods; 

To go to the city was quite a ways, 

If you went on foot, it took two days, 

For you had to follow the Indian trail, 

Wade the river and through the swale. 

Sometimes father had to go from home, 

Then mother was left alone. 

The neighbors lived miles apart, 

The people traveled in an ox cart, 

The roads were very poor too 

Through the woods just cut through; 



EARLY SETTLERS 91 

When father was away from home, 

Then the Indians were sure to come, 

With their ponies on the run, 

Tie forty ponies in the woods, 

Go to the store for some goods, 

They brought furs for to sell, 

My mother knew them pretty well, 

She kept a good fire in the stove, 

If they done wrong or made a move, 

She would grab the kettle off the stove, 

With hot water make them move, 

They understood what it meant, 

And out of the door they all went. 

My father kept the post office too, 

Lived on the road where the stage went through; 

Some had no stove in the house, 

Some turned their cattle out to browse, 

Some thought a fire place was very good, 

Because they had plenty of wood; 

Times were different in those days, 

Now people have different ways. 



92 HAPPY NEW YEAR 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

I will welcome the new year, 

And wish you much joy, 

I've seen many happy new years, 

Since I was a boy; 

When I stop to look back, 

Some years then 

Wasn't so happy 

As they should have been. 

Now they all are so merry, 

Or they seem to be, 

Some making new resolutions, 

I plainly can see; 

If they only could keep them, 

Without any fear, 

They surely would have, 

A happy new year. 

If we'd live as we should, 

The year throughout, 

We would be blessed, 

Without any doubt. 

God gave us every thing, 



HAPPY NEW YEAR 93 

That there need be, 

Even the fowls of the air, 

And the fish of the sea; 

If we would not be selfish, 

And want others share, 

We'd have plenty ourselves, 

And some to spare; 

If we'll try to make others happy, 

The year throughout, 

We'll be happy ourselves, 

Without any doubt. 

IN COURT 

They tried a young man 

In court to day, 

They'll send him 

To the work house 

Far away; 

They tried him in 

The Court of Ottawa, 

And they'll make him work 



94 IN COURT 

Without his pay; 

The jury did all agree, 

That he broke the law, 

And now must pay 

The penalty; 

It isn't right anyway, 

For the law to disobey, 

If you take the law 

In your own hands, 

You'll get into trouble, 

To beat the band. 

You'll have to go to court, 

And stand a trial, 

May be get shut up 

For a while; 

If you'd stop and think, 

And be a little sane, 

You'll have less trouble; 

Wouldn't be to blame. 

You'll sure find out, 

It didn't pay, 



IN COURT 95 

To start a quarrel, 

In that way. 

If you don't want any trouble, 

In a big way; 

Then you must be sure, 

The law to obey; 

To have your last say, 

Isn't always best way, 

It has been tried out,' 

Many a day. 

MARRIED LIFE 

One beautiful day in September, 

The day when first we met, 

Yes could I live forever, 

I never should forget, 

I looked upon her lovely cheeks, 

As red as any rose, 

Her soft brown hair 

And her pretty clothes; 

I never once thought, 



96 MARRIED LIFE 

That in that form, 

There might be lurking around, 

Some wrong or any harm; 

I didn't give it a thought, 

Didn't come into my mind, 

I had thus forgotten, 

That love was blind; 

Her mother told me, 

With a sad smile, 

She thought I'd find out 

After a while, 

That when married life, 

Had really begun, 

The girl would look out, 

For number One. 

Didn't think much about, 

What her mother said, 

But went right along, 

And the girl I did wed; 

Then she coaxed me 

To give to her 



MARRIED LIFE 97 

A deed of our home, 

In case she'd be left alone; 

As soon as it was done, 

She gave me to understand, 

That she would look out, 

For number One; 

Then I began to see my fate, 

But alas it was too late; 

But I didn't want any strife, 

Along with my wife; 

The neighbors said I was a fool, 

And I had better go to school. 

Some women think it's smart, 

To get hold of the reins; 

But to do business, 

It needs some brains; 

There are exceptions, 

To this rule; 

Some women are smart, 

Have been to school; 

But it gave me trouble, 

7 



98 MARRIED LIFE 

All of my life, 

Just on account of my wife, 

Others may get fooled, 

If they follow this rule; 

When starting out in life, 

To pick them out a wife. 

The first thing they think about, 

Is some one good looking, 

Before the question, 

They are putting. 

If they could find some one, 
Both pretty and wise; 
It would save lots of trouble, 
All their lives. 

GONE BEFORE THEE 

Two years ago they laid thee 
Down in thy grave to rest, 

Delicate, shapely hands folded 
Across thy cold, peaceful breast. 



GONE BEFORE THEE 99 

Beautiful flowers they garnered, 

But purer thy heart we know, 
And an intellect far out-reaching 

This world of pleasure and woe. 

Two years, but we know without fear, 

That thy form only rests here, 
That thy gentle spirit has risen, 

Freed from its earthly prison. 
High up in the heavenly mansions, 

Where sickness nor sorrow nor death 
never comes, 
Now she chants the glorious anthems, 

And her work on earth is done. 

Hark, me thinks I hear her singing, 

"All is happiness and peace above, 
I have only gone before thee, 

To win thee to a Saviour's love." 
Blessed promise; Oh dear Saviour; 

We may obtain that pardoning grace, 
And if faithful we shall meet her 

In that good and heavenly place. 



100 MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES 

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES 

Make hay while the sun shines, 

That old maxim you'll find true, 
Do not put it off to-day, 

Thinking to-morrow will do. 

Make hay while the sun shines, 

It's a saying of old, 
If you'll follow the advice, 

It '11 be worth more than gold. 

Yes work while the sun shines, that is the way, 
For to-morrow may be a rainy day, 

If you put it off, your hay may get wet, 
Then you'll be in an awful fret. 

Make your life to shine in doing good deeds, 
You'll find plenty of work, plenty that needs, 

The good you may do in the young part of life, 
Will help you to conquer your trials and strife. 

Make hay in the sunshine while young take hold, 
Lay up for old age you may live to be old, 



MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES 101 

Make hay in life's sunny hours, 
And not wait for the coming showers. 

Improve your time in your younger days, 

You've no lease of your life; 

The big book says, 

The sunshine of life is the time to make hay. 

If you let the time slip away, 
Until it is too late, 
Then when you get old, 
You'll ponder o'er your fate. 

Better work over hours, 
And work every day, 
Then you'll feel glad, 
When young you made hay. 

THE OLD SPIDER 

In a gentleman's house and in the corner, 

An honest old spider spun his web, 
He had a nice wife that had to be fed, 

He promised to provide when her he wed, 
I'll do it with pleasure, the old spider said. 



102 THE OLD SPIDER 

It would take but a little for his wife to eat, 
One fly a day would keep them complete; 

Didn't stop to think he was in a gentleman's room, 
Where there lived a maid with a broom. 

Those terrible foes to a spider. 

One day when he hadn't any fly, 

He thought he would go to his web and try, 
And see if he could not catch a fly, 

That would make a dinner for my wife and I, 
So they could both relish their dinner. 

He didn't think of the risk at all, 

Or of his life what might befall, 
There came the maid with broom in the hall, 

And brushed down web, spider and all, 
And this was the end of poor spider. 

THE FADED FLOWER 

Sister a flower from our garden has flown, 
The freshest, the dearest of all our home; 

Should we be sorrowful, because it is gone, 
To a more beautiful world than our own? 

Far from her sisters in childhood she roamed, 



THE FADED FLOWER 103 

Away from her home and friends, 
Now her spirit has flown away, 
To a world that never ends. 

Sister a star from our home has gone, 

To her spiritual life far beyond 
This world and her earthly home, 

Where once she used to roam; 
Oh say shall we weep for the one that is gone, 

Or speed it with blessings to it's heavenly throng? 
Perhaps her spirit will come back sometime, 

And hover over that home of thine. 

Sister, the brightest, purest flower in our home, 

Now sings with the angels around the throne; 
Will she bring a heavenly message to us some day? 

And our spirit take wings with her and fly away? 
Oh may we all meet with her some day, 

Our days on earth are not far away; 
Oh may that spirit, which God now owns, 

Keep the dark clouds away from our homes. 

TO MY SISTER 

Sister, why did we all 
Leave our good old home? 



104 TO MY SISTER 

And go out in the world to roam? 
Why is it we are separated, 

Scattered all over the earth? 
Why didn't we stay at 

The home of our birth? 
Now the happiest moments I enjoy, 

Is when the white winged messenger, 
Is brought by the mail boy. 

Your words are a comfort to me, 

If your face I can not see; 
Oh! T'is a cheering thought thou send'st to me, 

When no kind friend is near, save this word 
from thee; 
When shall our kindred cease to roam 

From friends and our good old home? 
I'm sure the sun is shining bright and clear, 

Upon that distant home, to me so dear, 
Still there are blessings here, I know, 

And this thought cheers me as I go. 

Sister could I send one word of comfort to thee, 

Then surely happy I would be; 
Shall we see mother and sisters in the other life, 

When we are through with this world of strife? 



TO MY SISTER 105 

Shall we meet them in Heaven above ? 

Where all is peace and love, 
Waving, come over to this beautiful world, 

Where no sickness nor sorrow on this shore, 
Shall trouble thy spirit for ever more. 

ON THE SINKING OF THE STEAMER 
"ALPENA" 

[ October 16, 1880 ] 

Dark and breathless was the night, 

When the steamer pulled out, the storm to fight; 

High up by the signal, the boat was warned, 

Of the coming approaching storm; 

Little did the passengers know, 

How that wind was going to blow; 

Every pulsation of her engine; set free, 

Brought them nearer to their destiny. 

Gould one imagine what agony, 

As they prayed the Lord their lives to save, 

From a watery grave. 

When there is a cyclone overhead, 



106 ON THE SINKING OF THE STEAMER "ALPENA" 

And the waters ready to cover the dead, 
When the storm strikes the boat, 
Then man's sins come up in his throat, 
Then he will pray straight, 
When he sees what is his fate, 
But alas it was too late, 
The waters covered the boat, 
And there was nothing left afloat; 
And that steamer's destiny, 
Was always a mystery. 

FAITHFULNESS 

Friend if by chance or feeling led, 

Stay thy foot-steps, ere they tread, 
Upon the hallowed grave under the sod, 

And think of her spirit now with God; 
Bravely her poverty she bore, 

God gives blessings to the poor, 
And this faithfulness she'd prove, 

And of his grace and bountiful love. 



FAITHFULNESS 107 

Faithful in affliction, but how soon 

Her form was to be laid in the tomb, 
Her peace the darkest day could not destroy, 

Her soul was filled with heavenly joy, 
The sting of death she did not fear, 

For she tasted Heaven while she lived here; 
With happiness may we like her, be blessed, 

When life is o'er, may we find rest. 



A CHILD'S EPITAPH 

When the power of God you delight to trace, 

And speed with a blessing each welcomed grace, 
Walk not upon this grave, for buried here 

Is a child, that was poor but yet dear; 
A child is buried beneath this sod, 

A child most dear, yes dear to God; 
Rejoice, do not shed a tear, 

Jesus has called it home from here. 



108 BACK WOODS LIFE 

BACK WOODS LIFE 

Sitting by the fire on a cold winter day, 

My thoughts for a few moments did fly away 

To the time we first settled in the woods 

And with an ox team moved out our goods. 

Built a log house, chinked it up between, 

Plastered with clay till no cracks could be seen; 

Had a large fire place to keep us all warm. 

The next thing was to build a small barn 

And for posts I cut the tops off" four trees, 

That was a curiosity one seldom sees; 

Next Spring they leaved out as green as could be 

They made a nice cornice around the roof you see. 

We cleared away where the house stood 

And got along the best we could. 

We burnt the brush, stumps and wood, 

Made garden where the tall trees had stood. 

Now the Winter came along 

With its winds and blustering storms 

Had to cover the vegetables up to keep them warm. 

Had much to contend with in those early days 



BACK WOODS LIFE 109 

When one had a family of children to raise. 
To walk to school was quite a ways 
Sometimes we took them in the sleighs 
Sometimes the snow was too deep 
Sometimes they came home with wet feet. 
They had the fresh air and the sun 
They were rugged and we never lost one. 
At night we'd get in plenty of wood you know 
For in the morning it might be covered with snow. 
Now in the night when there was a big storm 
We'd crawl into bed and cover up warm. 
Sometimes in the night we'd wake up in a fright 
Something after the hens this cold night; 

Some animal had got into the hen coop 
Sure now all the hens will loot 
And now the hens began to squawk 
I had to get up or they'd kill the whole flock. 
I'd grab the old musket and out I'd go 
Wade to the chicken coop through the snow; 
Then I held the gun on the place 
Till I could see the animal's face; 



110 BACK WOODS LIFE 

Had to hold the gun on the foe 

And was chilled standing in the snow. 

I really thought my arms would break, 

Holding out the gun so straight; 

I was rewarded, but I was feeling blue, 

Click went the gun, into a hole the animal flew; 

He wouldn't go far I very well knew. 

Then I pulled the animal out of the hole, 

There'll be one less when they call his roll. 

Thus ended the trouble with the hens, 

Unless some animal tries it again. 

Some nights a noise we would hear, 

Something wrong in the barn we would fear, 

Then out with the lantern we would go, 

To see what was the matter in the barn below; 

Some horse might be sick or cast on the floor; 

On a farm you never know when your troubles 

are o'er, 
It might be one of your very best, 
There is always something to break your rest. 
Get up in the morning at the break of day, 



BACK WOODS LIFE 111 

After our breakfast we hitched to the sleigh, 

A load of wood would have to go to town that day, 

It was only two miles it had to be hauled; 

Before out of sight we got stalled, 

The snow was so deep, the horse lying down, 

It didn't look much like going to town; 

Had to pack the snow down so the horse could 

stand, 
And it was snowing to beat the band, 
Must dig the sleigh out and get it loose, 
So when the horse started we'd give it a boost; 
When we got home it was most night, 
We'd had a hard job the storm to fight; 
The fire felt good and our appetite too. 
After our supper the chores were to do, 
Before we could say we really were through; 
After getting warm we hustled to the barn, 
To feed the animals and make them warm. 

They were all calling for something to eat, 
The horses, the cows, the calves and sheep, 
Throw down some hay from off the mow, 



112 BACK WOODS LIFE 

Be sure and milk the brindle cow, 

Get some straw from over head, 

And make them all a good bed. 

We'll cut some corn stalks a bushel or two, 

Give oats to the horses and the colts a few, 

We must not forget the white steer, 

Give this corn to the shoats in the basket here; 

Have the chickens had anything to-day ? 

Remember they have just commenced to lay; 

We will give them all water before we are through, 

Then there is the night wood to get in too. 

Thus the day has passed away, 

We will have to rest for another day. 

The children will sing songs before going to bed, 

Mother will tuck them away when their prayers 

are said; 
To-morrow there is a job, we very well know, 
To break the road through the deep snow, 
The road master will be coming this way, 
Then we will have to get out our sleigh. 
The snow is so deep now in the road, 



BACK WOODS LIFE 113 

You'd scarcely get through with a load, 

The way we'd break a road through the snow 

We'd hitch a lot of teams all in a row, 

And then they'd go through and break it down, 

So the farmers could go to town. 

Sometimes we'd all take a sleigh ride, 

And o'er the snow the sleigh would glide. 

The children they liked this very well, 

To sit in the sleigh and listen to the bells; 

See the warm sun melt the snow to-day, 

It soon will be Spring, it isn't far away, 

Then we will plow, then we must sow, 

And the warm rains will make the things grow; 

Everthing is glad to get in the warm sun, 

When the spring has fairly begun, 

Then the grass, we'll see how it grows, 

And we'll plant our garden all in rows; 

We'll work on the farm between the showers, 

And mother will raise some beautiful flowers, 

A place to spend her spare hours; 

So we all are busy, you plainly can see; 

8 



114 BACK WOODS LIFE 

We have comforts on the farm, you all will agree, 
We have sweet milk, butter and eggs galore, 
Have vegetables and meat we lay away in store, 
Enough to last us the winter o'er. 

I LIVE TO LOVE 

I live to love said a laughing maid, 
And this is the prayer I oft' have said: 

That some young man would offer me to wed, 
And was honest in what he said. 

And his heart with me would share, 
That would be nothing more than fair, 

I would give my heart honest and true, 
If I thought he'd give his the same too. 

Then we would always be happy and free, 
Because I loved him and he loved me, 

Then we could live a wedded life, 
Without having any strife. 

I live to love, said a laughing bride, 

To her loved one standing by her side, 



BACK WOODS LIFE 115 

No bad words have we spoken, 
And our love was never broken. 

A beautiful thought to be honest and true, 
But look at the world, see how very few, 

Have confidence in each other, 
Enough to carry them through. 

By the cords of love we were bound together, 
We were true to each other in spite of windy 
weather, 

We lived in peace both man and wife, 

Our love was sealed by God during this life. 

We raised our family good and kind, 
A healthier family you couldn't find, 

We never had to lay one of them away, 
And they are all living until this day. 

Now we are thinking of God's great love, 

And of a home in Heaven above, 
When our spirit shall fly away, 

To its place of destiny. 

When our life is o'er in this lower world, 

Shall we see our friends with banner unfurled, 

Living in another world above, 

Living where all is peace and love. 



116 CROSSING LAKE MICHIGAN 

GROSSING LAKE MICHIGAN 

When the steamboats cross the lake, 

Some with passengers, some with freight, 

And the night is bitter cold, 

And the passengers are all enrolled. 

When a snow storm they have to fight, 

Then it is a beautiful sight. 
When lit up in the night, 

And everything sparkling in the light. 

But it isn't so very nice, 

When they get stuck fast in the ice; 
Sometimes the ice breaks a hole in the boat, 

Then they have to work to keep afloat. 

Sometimes they lay in the ice for weeks, 
And the ice against the boat squeaks; 

Sometimes to save coal they burn freight, 
Help from some boat they have to wait. 

Sometimes the boldest of the crew, 
Tries to walk ashore with a boardror two, 

They are apt to find holes on their way, 
Then their boards come in play. 



GROSSING LAKE MICHIGAN 117 

Sometimes the boat is too far away, 
And they couldn't reach shore in one day; 

It isn't very nice any way, 

To travel by boat in the night that way. 

AFFECTATION 

Affectation, 
Whence comest thou from, thou elf ? 
Go crawl in thy hole 
And hide thy foolish self. 

Affectation. 
Who gave thy babbling tongue? 
Go hide thy silly face 
Before thou hast begun. 

Affectation, 
Go hide thy simpering face, 
With twisted mouth and upturned nose, 
Thou wilt soon run thy race. 



118 "IRONSIDES" WENT DOWN 

"IRONSIDES" WENT DOWN 

[ Sept. 28. 1873 ] 

The "Ironsides" left Chicago quite late, 

To cross over the lake. 

Little did she know her fate; 

Next morning the people 

On the Michigan shores 

Watched the boat for hours; 

Once we saw her from the shore, 

And the waves were covering her o'er; 

The waves would strike her broadside, 

Bound to sink the old "Ironsides"; 

Once she came close to shore, 

But couldn't make the harbor any more; 

To go On the beach seemed to be her fate, 

So she kept out into the lake, 

Then she got into the trough of the sea, 

And no more "Ironsides" could we see; 

We watched her from the shore, 

Until the waters covered her o'er. 



"IRONSIDES" WENT DOWN 119 

Eighteen bodies washed on the beach, 
And they covered them over with sheets. 
A young couple, just married that night, 
Game to shore, their arms locked tight. 
Oh! It was a horrible sight, 
The storm of that terrible night. 

FISHING TIME 

The time has soon slipped away, 
And I was wondering to-day, 
If the old house stood, there still 
At the foot of the hill, 
Where as a boy I was raised, 
Where as a boy I had played, 
And the river I did wade, 
Near the old grist mill; 
In the Spring once a year, 
We always had a freshet here 
When the sun came out so bright, 
And the warm rain at night, 
Then the river cut up pranks, 



120 FISHING TIME 

And overflowed her banks, 

Then the ice would tumble over the dam, 

And against the bridge it would slam; 

It was a grand sight, 

You could hear it in the night; 

The men would chop ice all day, 

To keep the bridge from going away; 

Sometimes the ice would smash through, 

Then we'd have to build the bridge new. 

A long time it would seem, 

Before you could cross with a team; 

Then when the water went down, 

Men and boys from all around, 

Would come with their dip nets, 

Get them ready for to set, 

For the fish would come up stream, 

Sometimes they could be seen, 

Jumping up out of the stream; 

Now their nets they'd unroll, 

Tie them to the end of a pole, 

And set them in a deep hole. 



FISHING TIME 121 

The dam had a fall of four feet, 

So the water was quite steep, 

The fish had to go like a streak, 

But many performed the feat; 

They'd spring out of the water on the fly, 

Fall back, give it another try; 

To get over the dam the fish were all bent, 

To stay below they were not content; 

This was a grand sight for a boy, 

Something a boy would much enjoy. 

I've seen twenty-two nets set at a time, 

A merrier set you could not find. 

Sometimes an old man, whose hair was gray, 

Because he talked to the Lord, was crazy, some 

say, 
When the fishing was dull, he'd kneel down and 

pray, 
And when he had given the Lord praise, 
He'd come back and his net would raise, 
And whether you believe me yes or no, 
I tell you it was positively so, 



122 FISHING TIME 

He caught the biggest fish caught that day; 

It would weigh ten pounds anyway; 

And it put me in mind of the fishermen that tried, 

And the Saviour told them to cast their net on the 

other side, 
And plenty of fish He did provide. 
Some went fishing with nets so wide, 
They reach across from side to side, 
Then two men would lash the stream, 
Until they got up close to the seine. 
Now they'd pull their net upon the shore, 
And they'd count their fish o'er. 
Now this was old fishing times, 
You had plenty of fish, didn't cost a dime. 

HAPPY LIFE 

We ought to be happy, said a merry girl, 
As she shook her head of beautiful curls; 

Everything beautiful in this world of ours; 
The meadows so green and the flowers, 

We could take a lesson from the busy bees, 



HAPPY LIFE 123 

And the birds that are singing on the trees; 
The sun is so warm throughout the day, 

The moon shines out when the sun is gone away. 

We ought to be happy said a gallant boy, 

So many beautiful things we can't pass them by, 
The snow on the mountain peaks, 

And the flowers in the valley, 
Which every one seeks; 

There are the beautiful birds, 
That come back to us in the Spring, 

And their sweet songs to us sing. 

I ought to be happy, said a smiling young bride, 

Some one that loves me, is standing by my side, 
We shouldn't say naughty things, 

But say good things in their place. 
We shouldn't take a step forward, 

That we can't ever retrace, 
We shouldn't get in an awful fret, 

And do things we'll always regret. 



124 HAPPY LIFE 

I'm feeling so happy, said a fond mother, 

I've a dear good sister and a good brother; 
My own children are a comfort to me, 

I've something to live for you'll agree. 
My husband is temperate, that suits me, 

That will make life more pleasant for me; 
He is a good provider I can see, 

That makes a good wife of me. 

Sure I am happy said a white haired man, 

For I'm trying to do the best I can; 
Though I cannot work and my back is bent 

And my time on earth is most spent. 
Here comes the children along with their ma, 

They'll climb on my knee and call me grandpa; 
I think of the children, then think of their ma, 

How she used to climb on my knee and call me pa. 

We should try to make others happy, 

In this world of ours; 
By doing good deeds, 

And strewing their pathway with flowers. 



HAPPY LIFE 125 

If we'll make others happy, 

Then happy we'll be; 
It will work both ways, 

You plainly can see. 

A MOTHERLESS CHILD 

A nice little girl with golden hair, 

A beautiful child so young and so fair; 

She went to her papa one day, 

Climbed upon his knee and thus did say: 

Papa why did they take mamma away, 

I do not want my playthings, I've put them away, 

I want to see mamma today. 

He took the dear child in his arms, 

Said he'd try to shield her from all harm; 

She put her arms around his neck, kissed him one, 

two, three, 
Said papa, will they bring mamma back to me? 
He thought of his wife, then thought of his child, 
His heart came up in his throat, 
And he felt most wild; 



126 A MOTHERLESS CHILD 

But he couldn't replace a mother's love for her 

child. 
She has gone to the angels, her papa said, 
And the tears rolled down his cheeks upon her 

head. 
Then she laid her head upon his breast, 
And for her mamma the child did weep; 
And he smoothed her curly hair till she went to 

sleep. 
Then he looked down upon her golden hair, 
And he prayed to God her life to spare. 
When she thinks of her mother she rubs her eyes, 
She knows that she is gone and begins to realize; 
It is hard for a child in her tender years, 
She misses her ma to wipe away her tears, 
I'm sure, if that child should die, 
And her spirit go to Heaven above, 
That her ma would clasp her in her arms, 
The one that she so much loved, 
The beautiful child so young and so fair; 
Too innocent to commit sin, 
No sins to be forgiven; 
Jesus blessed little children 
Said: "Of such is the kingdom of Heaven". 



THE OLD GRIST MILL 127 

THE OLD GRIST MILL 

The old Du Bois mill, 

That stood under the hill, 
Where the creek came rushing down, 

In the lower part of town; 
And the farmers all around, 

Would bring their grist to get it ground, 
And they'd watch the wheel go round, 

As their grist was getting ground. 

It doesn't seem so long anyway, 

Just as though it was yesterday, 
Since us boys, with bare feet, 

Went cross lots like a streak, 
The shortest way to the street, 

And we went on the run. 
To the old tamaracks for some gum, 

And we thought it was such fun. 

Now a wading in the creek, 
Chasing frogs with a stick, 
Driving minnows up the stream, 



128 THE OLD GRIST MILL 

Now the old mill could be seen, 
And the old miller had a boat, 

But it was more than we could tote, 
Now if us boys he would see, 

What would he do with you and me ? 

The old miller we didn't much fear, 

For he was always full of cheer, 
Most always leaning on the window sill, 

Or the half-door of the mill, 
Or some yarn he would spin, 

To some customer within, 
Always merry every day, 

That was the good old miller's way. 

Now the boys were not content, 

So to the mill we all were bent, 
And would ask the miller's consent, 

If he minded where we went; 
"If you don't meddle with the belts, 

And go fooling with nothing else, 
And keep away from the machinery, 

That is all I ask," says he. 



THE OLD GRIST MILL 129 

Then the stairs we would climb, 

For to have a good time, 
In the bran we would play, 

Sometimes for half a day, 
Watching the cups in the elevator go round, 

Filled with meal that was just ground 
Through our fingers let the meal run through, 

Thinking that we were millers too. 
Recollect the old mill race, 

That used to be our old swimming place; 
The old mill was over run with rats, 

Because they had no dogs or cats; 
The boys would chase them on the run, 

And were having lots of fun; 
The miller looked on and grinned his best, 

To see a boy knock one galley west. 
The old burr stones that used to run, 

Have gone out of place since I was young, 
They couldn't keep up with the pace, 

Now steel rollers take their place. 
A glass in my window wasn't tight, 

Rattled when the mill run at night, 
Seems if I can hear that rumbling still 

Of that dear old grist mill. 



130 THE OLD HOTEL 

THE OLD HOTEL 

When I was a boy in an early day, 

When Michigan had only one railway, 

They put planks upon the road, 

So the teams could draw a load 

On the old Grand River road. 

The teams came loaded from the West, 

All kinds of provisions, of the very best; 

When they got ready to go back, 

They filled their wagons with goods, 

As tight as ever they could pack; 

To the stores they took the goods, 

And some to other neighborhoods. 

From Detroit to Howell this road led, 

And the horses had to be fed, 

So they had to stop on their way. 

Stop over night till next day. 

There had to be hotels along on the road, 

Where the teamsters could stop with their load. 

There was one hotel near the sand hill, 

Where the men said, they always got their fill; 



THE OLD HOTEL 131 

It was kept by a man called Uncle Ike Gar; 

The hotels those days always kept a bar, 

He was known both near and far, 

He never went to bed the neighbors said, 

But on the floor would make his bed, 

He would take a chair, tip it up on the floor, 

And with buffalo robe cover it o'er. 

The hotels all had a fireplace those days, 

Where they could make a cheerful blaze; 

He was sleeping on the floor, 

And could hear anyone knock on the door, 

Some one wanted to get their fingers warm, 

And may be put their team in the barn. 

These hotels were built with a large hall, 

About three times a year would give a public ball, 

Two hundred couples at one time in the hall, 

With chandeliers lit up, it just looked fine; 

A supper table eighty feet long, beat all of its kind; 

The boys in town, that went to the dance, 

Engaged their girl far in advance; 

They'd take their buggy into the stream, 



132 THE OLD HOTEL 

And with a broom wash them clean; 

They'd pick out a horse that could run, 

Sometimes they expected a little fun; 

They take their girl for a ride in the afternoon, 

They didn't want to go to the ball so soon; 

When they drove up to the hotel, 

The noisy crowd was feeling well, 

Then in the ball room they did go, 

And danced till supper time below; 

They went to their supper according to their 
numbers, 

So they would not make any blunders; 

If there were any girls that didn't have a beau, 

They always went free you know; 

Now when it was beginning to get daylight, 

They started for home, they danced all night; 

Now the girls thought it was fine, - 

They'd be on hand the next time. 



THE LONELY ROBIN 133 

THE LONELY ROBIN 

Poor Robin Redbreast, 

Why didn't you go South with the rest ? 

Thy friends have all flown away, 

Why tarriest thou here to-day? 

Thou seem'st loth to go away; 

Why does thy wing droop? Say has't 

Thou been thinking of the past, 

And still lingering till the last? 

The trees their leaves have shed, 

And the flowers in the garden are dead, 

Why stay here when the rest have fled? 

You look so hungry and cold, 

And you're looking quite old, 

Wasn't you able to go with the rest? 

Poor Robin Redbreast, 

Why didn't you go to your home ? 

And not stay here all alone, 

Aren't you feeling very well ? 

Have you a story to tell ? 



134 THE LONELY ROBIN 

Then I'll listen to your plaintive tale; 

Did you raise a brood in this neigborhood ? 

Has some one taken your birdies away ? 

That you continue here to stay, 

Thinking they'll come back some day ? 

Tell me what is the trouble anyway; 

Has some one killed your mate, 

That you're staying here so late ? 

Are you mourning o'er your fate? 

Your chirp is so weak, 

It is almost a peep, 

I would gladly take thee in, 

And keep you till the Spring, 

Then I could hear you sing; 

You wouldn't like to be imprisoned, I see, 

You'd rather fly from tree to tree, 

You'd take your chance of being froze, 

Out in these cold snows; 

Could you hop in some barn, 

And try to keep yourself warm, 

Away from all harm; 

If you try to stay till Spring, 



THE LONELY ROBIN 135 

You'd lose your voice and couldn't sing; 
I hope you'll soon fly away, 
To where it's warm night and day, 
And then you'll take a good rest; 
Gome back in the Spring from the West, 
And round about here build your nest. 
I want to hear your chirp at early dawn, 
Hunting for worms on the lawn, 
And then fly away to your nest, 
Beautiful Robin Redbreast. 

THE NIGHTINGALE 

Oh! Sweet nightingale, hast thou flown away, 

Thou hast been so quiet all the day, 
We want to hear thy sweet melody. 

When night draws her curtains and darkens the 
vale, 
Then I love to listen to the nightingale, 

Her song a comfort to the weary traveler on his 
trail. 

Come thou and hear her sweet sounding tale, 

It's the voice of the beautiful nightingale, 
Pealing out over the vale. 



136 THE NIGHTINGALE 

Oh! 'Twas the nightingale that we hear, 
Mingled with the sounding waters near, 
As we stop to breathe the fragrant air. 

She broke the silence of the dells, 

Listen to the music, how it swells, 
How eloquent the song, we love so well. 

We stopped to listen, and long we stood, 
In the pathway near the wood, 

To listen to the tale, it seemed so good. 

We was wont to stay until the dawn of day, 

And we were loth to go away, 
And come back another day. 

Oh ! Nightingale why singest thou so sweet ? 
Hast thou had plenty to eat, 
That thy wings are so fleet. 

Oh ! Nightingale why soarest thou so high, 

Away up in the dark blue sky ? 
Gome down and tell us the reason why. 

Oh ! Could I fly with wing, 
Like a nightingale I would sing, 
While pinioned on my wings. 



THE NIGHTINGALE 137 

My soul like a nightingale must soar, 

When my days on earth are o'er 
To a far and distant shore. 

Oh ! If I'm faithful till the last day, 
Then the angels will show me the way, 
Where God wants me to stay. 

THE MOUNTAIN COTTAGE 

I'll go to the mountain cottage my love with thee, 
And happy we'll be, so happy and free; 

Our life shall be a pleasure, let trouble pass by 
Like the soft breeze of Summer that gives not 
a sigh; 

The beautiful mountains that are not far away, 
We'll watch in the sunset, while it is yet day, 

Then in our cottage we'll talk over old times, 
When we were children and of friends left 
behind. 

The backwoodsman may cut down his trees, 

The stumps are to contend with if you please; 
I'd rather be in the valley by the mountain side, 



138 THE NIGHTINGALE 

Near the clear running stream which is my pride, 
And the beautiful flowers that are here the year 
'round, 

And their sweet fragrance the air does abound; 
Then make me a wreath to put 'round my hair, 

Of the flowers of the vale and of the roses so fair. 

At night in the summer air when the day's gone by, 

We'll walk by the moonlight and gaze on the sky 
And listen to the sweet songs of birds in the air, 

While we gaze at the glimmering distant stars. 
Each day we'll be joyful at the setting of the sun, 

Each night we'll be happy as when we begun; 
Our life with pleasure though it pass swiftly by, 

And together we'll go to our home on high. 

WELCOME HOME 

Welcome sweet Anna to our home, 

She's not going away again; 
Send the shout o'er hill and plain, 

Our sweet Anna's come home again. 

Gather some flowers and quickly bring, 
Make a wreath and o'er her fling, 



WELCOME HOME 139 

Find the songs she loved, we'll sing: 
"Sweet Anna's come home again." 

Your sweet voice so full of mirth, 

We did miss 'round our hearth; 
Those golden curls over your shoulder you'll fling, 

And we'll think of the songs we used to sing, 
For Anna has come home again. 

TWO LITTLE GIRLS IN BLUE 

Two little girls dressed in blue, 
A picture of innocence, that's true, 

Are there any can equal you, 
Two little girls in blue. 

Fairly tall and so fair, 

Both with a head of golden hair; 
With beautiful flowers we'll crown them too, 

Those two little girls in blue. 

They're young and merry, they're not old, 
They're fingers yet no bands of gold. 

I wonder who will win them, too, 
Those two little girls in blue. 



140 TWO LITTLE GIRLS IN BLUE 

Some one will win their heart, 
To them their love will impart; 

Then with them I'll have to part, 
Those two little girls in blue. 

I imagine now I see, 

A young man on bended knee; 
In loving words pleads to one of you, 

Two little girls in blue. 

Promise to be true and true to remain, 
And never give my heart any pain, 

Then my heart with you will remain, 
Says one little girl in blue. 

Now her sister soon had a beau, 
She wanted to get married too, 

They both would start life a new 
Those two little girls in blue. 

THE DYING CHILD 

When the shadows of night came over the hill, 

And the whistling winds were still, 
In a cottage that stood under the hill, 



THE DYING CHILD 141 

There a beautiful child lay dying, 
And her mother to comfort her was trying, 

Oh! Gould her life be spared for a while, 
Her sad heart was most wild, 

The love she had for her child. 

"Mother put something warm to my feet, 

And tuck around me the sheet, 
And then kiss me so sweet." 

Her face so pale and white 
And her little hands clasped so tight, 

Her frail life is fading away, 
Like the snow before the sun's rays, 

Will be gone before another day. 

Her dark blue beautiful eyes, 
Are gazing with wonder and surprise, 

Straight up into the skies; 

She's dreaming who she'll meet, 

She's smiling in her sleep; 

Soon the angels she will greet; 
She's one of God's little lambs, 

Safe in God's own hands. 



142 THE DYING CHILD 

The rays of the morning's sun, so red, 

Steal softly through the window o'er the bed 
Of the little child that is dead, 

Her mother still praying and weeping, 
That her child is in God's keeping, 

And the soft breeze from over the hill, 
Is creeping in over the window sill, 

To where her little child lay so still. 

PLEASANT TIMES 

The boys and girls can have a good time, 

When they are young and in their prime; 

They do not mind the cold and the snow, 

For they are warm blooded, you know. 

The girls a handful of snow at the boys throw, 

And with the boys they will fool, 

On their way to the school; 

They'll hide their face from the snow. 

When they get a chance they'll tell their beau, 

A sleigh-riding they'd like to go. 

When school is out, it isn't much doubt, 



PLEASANT TIMES 143 

With a fine rig and lots of pride, 

They'll come to give their girl a sleigh ride; 

Her mother will tell her to bundle up, it is cold, 

Or else you wont live to be very old, 

You had better wear a good warm hood, 

With your red cheeks it will look good; 

Now their horse was very good, so long he has 

stood. 
All bundled up and into the sleigh, 
Soon they'll be on their way; 
It's very pleasant to ride over hill and dells, 
And listen to the merry bells; 
She told the girls with pride, all about her sleigh 

ride, 
What a good time she had, how far she went, 
And now she was feeling quite content. 
One of the girls said, they'd like some fun, 
But their father said they were too young, 
You'd better stay in after dark my child, 
And her mother said to her daughter, wait a while 
And I'll see if your pa I can't reconcile; 



144 PLEASANT TIMES 

Her mother remembered when she was a child, 
How she was just full of fun; 

Children ought to have some pleasure when young, 
I do not begrudge them having a little fun 
Before their wedded life has begun. 

PECK'S BAD BOY 

You've heard of Peck's bad boy, 
Is there any one that would enjoy, 

The tricks of this bad boy? 
You might stay round and grin, 

To see how this boy would pitch in, 
If you knew it was a sin. 

Some people he would annoy, 

That would be his greatest joy, 
For he knows he is a bad boy; 

Some people look and pass by, 
Others gave him a wink of their eye, 

And some his tricks seemed to enjoy. 

One day he chanced to meet a maid, 
For me to listen to her she bade, 



PECK'S BAD BOY 145 

If you do not stop your tricks she said, 
When you die you'll go straight to hades, 

I must hurry or I'll be late, 
And started off on a quick gait. 

I bowed, started whistling with all my 
might, 
Until she was clean out of sight, 
I do not hardly think it is fair; 
You ought to have seen how she did 
stare, 
As though I had no business there; 
On this earth or anywhere. 

That girl will go to a place some day, 

Above the clouds far away, 
Where there is no night, always day, 

Such girls live there they say, 
If they're good, then they may, 

But it's not for me to say . 

They have crowns and all sing, 
Like the birds do in the Spring; 



146 PECK'S BAD BOY 

I will miss that I suppose, 
Where I'll go no one knows; 

I'm the boy that's playing the fool, 
And I never go to Sunday school. 

I'm the worst boy all around, 
And I'm in many a knock down, 

I swear and fight all around, 

And kick others when they are down; 

I do not expect to get a crown, 
For I'm the worst boy in town. 

I would like to hang around, 
And see them all get a crown, 

I suppose they'll all be dressed in white, 
Where all is day and never night; 

When all the crowns are given out, 
I'll have none without any doubt. 



SEEKING FOR GOLD 147 

SEEKING FOR GOLD 

When I was young, a mere child, 

The discovery of gold in California 

Set our neigbors most wild. 

They got their horses and wagons ready to go, 

They had to take the overland route, that's so; 

It would take them three months all told, 

Before they could reach the land of gold. 

Their white covered wagons all in a row, 

And bidding their folks good bye, you know, 

It was a great undertaking to be out night and day, 

And they had plenty trouble on their way; 

Sometimes a horse would give out and couldn't go, 

And then they'd have to stop a day or two. 

When they crossed the prairie the fun began, 

When they met the buffalo on the run; 

When they were on a stampede, 

There was nothing in the way that they would 

heed. 
They gathered their wagons all up complete, 



148 SEEKING FOR GOLD 

To keep them from being knocked over all in a 

heap. 
If the Indians on them would make a raid, 
With their wagons they'd make a barricade. 
A prairie fire was the worst of all, 
When the grass was dry and tall, 
They could smell the smoke in the air, 
And see the blaze, how it did flare ! 
They'd gather their wagons all in a bunch, 
And commence a back fire at once. 
When a large place was burned away, 
They'd move their wagons and there they'd stay; 
Next morning at the early dawn 
The splendor of the lit up sky was gone, 
And we welcomed back the morning sun; 
And the grass devoured in such haste, 
Left nothing but a blackened waste. 
And when they reached the golden shore, 
They commenced digging the golden ore. 
Some came back rich and some were poor, 
You'll find it the same the world o'er. 



GRANDFATHER'S EYES 149 

GRANDFATHER'S EYES 

In his chair grandfather sat 

With his dear eyes tightly closed, 

You might have thought that he dozed, 

For I thought so; 
I said, grandfather are you asleep? 
Your eyes are shut, and silent keep; 

Thus he said: 
No, I'm really wide awake, 
And you are making quite a mistake; 

Thinking you are led 
To call me grandfather, that is so, 
I'm thinking of a time, fifty years ago, 

I was near your age, 
When I sat under a dear old tree, 
It was a harvest apple tree, 

I read the page, 
And laid the book under my head. 
A nicer story you'd never read, 

I fancy my eyes can read, 



150 GRANDFATHER'S EYES 

In those eyes of the boy standing near, 
A story you see but can not hear; 

For sure indeed, 
For he has never spoken any word, 
That your heart wouldn't have wished to 
have heard; 

A gentle breeze and blossoms fall, 
My eyes droop I can not tell, 
I just do not remember very well; 

The lad was tall, 
Stooped down to gather the flowers so sweet 
That fell on the book, our hands did meet, 

We know not how; 
No boy or girl scarcely knows, 
But that is the way the story goes, 

I can tell you now, 
It was life's sweet story to me; 
May your life's story be as sweet to thee. 

The blossoms white and pink, 
Took so much pleasure in the story they heard 
Stories so sweet from the singing bird, 



GRANDFATHER'S EYES 151 

That I just think, 
They planned to hear the story and then 

enjoy, 
To hear it from the girl and boy. 

Sure they did hear, 
I looked into her eyes while standing here; 
Those eyes to me were very dear, 

Such eyes to me 
The loveliest and to me the best, 
Like your grandmother's eyes more than all 
the rest. 

THE WHISTLING BOY 

A whistling boy is not a bad omen, 
Like they say about a crowing hen; 

A boy can give his mouth a whistling curl, 
But it's rather out of place with a girl. 

If a girl a boy tries to ape, 

And is inclined to whistling take, 
She'll have to pucker her mouth more than half, 

And then she will always get the laugh. 



152 THE WHISTLING BOY 

Some boys whistle when at work or play, 
And seem to be happy night or day; 

One great pleasure I do enjoy, 
Is to listen to a whistling boy, 

Some of the boys whine and fret. 

Others waste their time and then regret; 
I like the boy that is bright and gay, 

And a whistling dull care away. 

It makes me think when I was a boy, 
I used to whistle and did it much enjoy; 

I like to hear the birds in the Spring, 
Some of them whistle and some sing. 

You ought to hear him when he takes his fish 
pole, 

And goes cross lots to the old fishing hole, 
Then he commenced whistling so very slow, 

Put bait on his hook, give his line a throw. 

Now he felt a nibble at his hook, as he sat on 
the bank, 
Then he give his line a powerful yank, 



THE WHISTLING BOY 153 

If you bite that hook you'll soon know, 
That out on the bank you'll surely go. 

A maid heard him whistling one day, 

And was attracted his way; 
She met him with a big smile, 

I want to hear you whistle for a while. 

She thought it was very sweet, 

And kept time with her feet; 
It really was most sublime, 

I would like to hear it all the time. 

Girls they can not whistle you know, 

Did I ever hear a bird whistle so? 
Sure it is a charming art, 

I believe it has captured my heart. 

It makes us happy to whistle they say, 
We should not be grouchy or mope away, 

The girls I am sure they will enjoy, 

And they'll stand by the whistling boy. 



154 THE GUIDING SPIRIT 

THE GUIDING SPIRIT 

I dreamed a dream the other night, 

I saw a spirit robed in white, 
I could only see it in the night. 

With mortal eyes I could not see, 
But I felt a hand most tenderly, 
Touching my own and leading me. 

With these eyes I can not see, 

Still I know it is by the side of me, 
It's beacon light, it guideth me. 

Sometimes at night, when no one's near, 
When the day is gone and night is here, 
I feel that hand and have no fear. 

When away or when at home; 

I feel that hand within my own, 
And I never feel alone. 

When I am weary of this land, 
And my limbs are weak, can scarcely stand, 
Then I feel that comforting hand. 



THE GUIDING SPIRIT 155 

When my days on earth are o'er, 

And my spirit goes to another shore, 
Then my labors on earth will be o'er. 

Then I think my eyes will see. 
The place they have prepared for me, 
And the spirit that guided me. 



WAITING FOR THEE 

The beautiful sun that lights the world, 

Its radiant light all unfurled, 
To guide the weary traveler cross the sea, 

To where thy friends are waiting for thee. 

Dear friends it seems to me I can see, 
Your outstretched arms waiting for me, 

With beautiful smiles on your face, 

To welcome your friends to a better place. 

To-night as I walk the lonely road, 

I think of the mansions of our friends abode, 



156 WAITING FOR THEE 

The beautiful songs they do hear, 
The beautiful Heaven to them so dear, 

I'm grateful that no grief of mine, 

Can darken a brow so sublime, 
I sometimes feel that a spirit is near, 

And casts a glorious influence around me here, 

I feel that my days will soon be o'er, 
Then my spirit will go to a distant shore; 

I soon will hear the bugle sound, 
To guide me to the world beyond. 

He will guide me safely to a distant shore, 
And then my trials on earth will be o'er, 

And when I reach there, my spirit you'll see, 
There'll be no waiting and watching for me. 

A MOTHER'S JOY 

Sometimes in walking down the street, 
A wayward child I'd chance to meet. 

Sometimes it was a girl, sometimes a boy; 
They were some day a mother's joy. 



A MOTHER'S JOY 157 

Sometimes I met a man quite old; 

Whose face looked sad and his heart was cold; 
Sometimes it was a woman the world passed by, 

Yet some day she was a mother's joy. 

Never mind if he is a wayward boy, 

A few kind words if you'll employ, 
May make of him a different boy; 

Once he was a mother's joy. 

Never mind how bad they've been, 

A kind word might bring them back again; 

Some kind words might keep them from their life 
to destroy; 
They were once their mother's joy. 

Once they laid their heads on their mother's breast, 
And many nights she was broken of her rest. 

Let it be man, woman, girl or boy, 

Remember some time they were a mother's joy. 



158 A YOUNG MOTHER 

A YOUNG MOTHER 

A sweet young mother full of pride, 
With a black-eyed child by her side; 

May you always be happy, may you never have a 
sigh, 
May the deeds of your child bring joy to your eye. 

Oh! Sweet young mother, so full of joy, 
Though the world sweeps on and passes you by, 

Thou hast friends of thy own with an unspotted 
name, 
The love of thy child and thy husband the same. 

Sweet young mother, we never can tell, 
What may come o'er thy heart to dispel 

Those smiles from thy face, and thy heart in 
despair, 
Will go to the Lord for a solace there. 

SUNSET 

Across the waters I see a beautiful sight, 

'Tis the setting of the glorious sun at night; 
She sinks with pride, her day's work is done, 



SUNSET 159 

And reflected in the sky are the rays of the sun. 
The sky lit with splendor with the rays of the light, 

And the clouds tinged with gold, it's a beautiful 
sight, 
When the sun sinks in the folds of the night. 

Across the vast waters on the other shore, 

When they have leisure and their day's work 
is o'er, 

I wonder if they are watching this beautiful sunset. 
If they do, their time they'll never regret. 

The sun shines on the good and bad just the same; 
If you do not enjoy it then you are to blame; 

It will come back in the morning just the same. 

BEAUTIFUL WORLD 

The world is beautiful to me, 
Some can see beauty in everything they see; 
Look up high into the beautiful sky, 
See the stars how beautiful in the night, 
See the colors of the rainbow, what a beautiful 
sight, 



160 BEAUTIFUL WORLD 

See the beautiful moon's pale light, 

See the sun, how it shines so bright; 

And the showers of rain at night; 

How it makes the things grow, 

God has given us these things you know, 

See the mountains all covered with snow, 

And the beautiful valleys below; 

See the rivers, the lakes and the ocean, 

Do you know what put the waves in motion ? 

Who knows what makes the wind blow? 

You can feel it, that is so, 

But you can not see it, you very well know; 

On our globe there is two-thirds water, no doubt, 

When the earth turns over, why doesn't it spill out? 

These are wonderful things to think about. 

See several varieties, different colored apples on 

one tree, 
Isn't that a great curiosity? 
See the maple sugar tree that grows so tall, 
And one standing by its side, bitter as gall; 



BEAUTIFUL WORLD 161 

See the different colored flowers grow in the same 

soil, 
These things are a wonder to us all. 
See the beautiful trees as they wave in the breeze, 
See the apple trees their blossoms like sweet peas, 
What is more beautiful than all of these ? 
Some can see beauty in the weeds that grow; 
They must have studied botany you know. 
The earth is filled as full of things as it can hold, 
Too many things to mention, even silver and gold, 
Everything for man to enjoy on this earth, 
He ought to be happy from his birth, 
And continue so until old age, 
If he does not in sin engage. 
If the Lord he did obey, 
Then we'd have a different world to day, 

SCATTER FLOWERS 

Scatter flowers on the soldiers' graves, 

For they were so true and brave, 
And they went at their country's call, 



162 SCATTER FLOWERS 

And for their country bravely did fall; 
They left their home and friends all alone, 

And now they have gone to their future home. 

Scatter flowers on the soldiers' graves, 
The boys that were so true and brave, 

They rallied and marched to the bugle's call, 
And on the battle field did fall, 

Let us remember the boys in blue, 
The boys so brave and true. 

Scatter flowers on the soldiers' graves, 
They obeyed the call our country to save, 

And saved our flag, long may it wave, 
Over a country freed from slave, 

And those dear old stars and stripes, 
May we to God our thanks unite. 

Scatter flowers on the soldiers' graves, 
May God reward the true and brave; 

Little did we know what was God's plan, 
To drive cursed slavery from our land; 

Now let us remember those martyrs of ours, 
And cover their graves over with flowers. 



A DAY OF REST 163 

A DAY OF REST 

I think I will rest on this beautiful day, 

I have laid aside my work and put my tools away. 

The work I had to do, I just laid it by, 

I said, we'll have a holiday, my wife and I. 

We'll just start out and through the woods we'll 

roam, 
And we won't be in any hurry about getting home. 

If I leave my work I know it will never budge, 
But to take my mind off my work my time I don't 

begrudge. 
A bow always strung up loses its strength they say; 
So it's good to loosen up and rest someday. 
It is pleasant to get out and have a little fun, 
And free your mind of worry if the work isn't done. 

I'll put my hammock up here; this place is so cool, 
I'll sing and swing like a boy just out of school. 
Now to have a day oft it is something fine. 
I'll write and read and try to make it rhyme. 
When tired of work a rest you will enjoy; 
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 



164 A DAY OF REST 

Get out in the sunshine if your work makes you 

feel blue. 
Do not let your work make a slave of you. 
Life is. too short not to have a day of joy; 
After you have rested you'll feel just like a boy. 
Take a vacation and rest for a while, 
Then you'll go back to work with a big smile. 

AN EXAMPLE 

Our noble nation I would that they an example set 

To foreign nations, that they never would forget; 

Not by war with them, Oh no! 

But by friendly advice, that is so; 

The wisdom that is in the world to-day, 

Teaches us, there is no other way, 

To rule a nation, but by God's plan, 

To do justice to every man. 

The greed for more territory and to rule the land, 

And to subjugate others to their command, 

Has caused the greatest war since the world began. 



AN EXAMPLE 165 

Who can comprehend God's ruling power, 

That He may have a purpose in this war ? 

To teach a lesson to mankind yet, 

That all nations may never forget. 

Oh the selfishness the world does command, 

You see it cropping out on every hand. 

When will all nations under the sun, 

Practice the golden rule to every one? 

Then will all nations recognize the rights of man, 

And better his condition if they can. 

Then will all men happy be, 

Both in this life and eternity. 

Look what God has bestowed upon man, 

Everything on earth at his command. 

God did not design this for a few, 

And to domineer over others and them subdue. 

Our nation's sympathy for the poor distressed, 

The succor we sent them, may it be blessed; 

Thus the prayer of this nation wide 

Is, that this cruel war may soon subside. 



166 KIND WORDS 

KIND WORDS 

These few thoughts come to my view, 

'Tis the worth of a kind word or two. 

Little do we know the good they'll do 

In cheering up some one that is feeling blue. 

A smile, a soft word to some one cast down, 

May be the means of turning their life around; 

Or may be some one has lost their good name, 

Can we not put them on their feet again? 

May be some one has tasted the bitter cup, 

Can we not stoop down and lift them up ? 

Poor fallen woman, shunned by her own sex, 

Is it right her soul to vex? 

Poor despised fallen mankind, 

Is there no solace you can find? 

John B. Gough, who is so renowned, 

Was found in a ditch on the ground; 

By a good hearted man was picked up, 

Said you have manhood about you, please brace up, 

He found a friend in his defence, 

And became a great lecturer on temperance. 



KIND WORDS 167 

We learn a lesson from Christ and the woman con- 
demned and alone, 

"Let the one free from sin cast the first stone," 

And they all passed out through the door; 

Jesus said: "Neither do I condemn you, go thou 
and sin no more." 

If we'd use kind words instead of a frown, 

We'd make others happy, that are cast down; 

And then we would our mission fill, 

Because we'd be doing God's will. 

A FRIEND 

Thoughts of One great and most sublime, 

Hath led this wandering soul of mine; 

To trust in Him and never fear, 

While journeying through my earthly career. 

When life is wearied and full of care, 

Then this Friend my troubles share; 

When dark clouds dim my eyes, 

Then I turn my thoughts toward the skies, 

And think of the One to me most dear, 



168 A FRIEND 

Who soothes my pain, drives away my tears; 
And wonder if I'll be permitted to see 
That glorious face in eternity. 
We all have friends that love each other, 
And we all know the love of a mother; 

The Saviour had greater love than sisters or 

brothers, 
For he laid down His life for others. 

BEAUTIFUL WORLD 

The one thing most beautiful, 

It ought to cause us to smile, 
To see the earth with her coat of green, 

After it has been covered with snow for a while. 

The warm sun has come back again, 
And the beautiful showers of rain; 
If there are any who do not enjoy it, 
Then surely they are to blame. 

If you're feeling sad hearted, cast down for a while, 
Then drive away sadness; goodness put on a 
smile, 



BEAUTIFUL WORLD 169 

Go look at this beautiful world, 
And give it your thoughts for a while. 

It will cheer you up for your task again, 

When you are inclined to feel blue, 
It will drive dull care away; 

And make you feel better too. 

Then catch the sunshine when you may, 

Do not put it off another day; 
But with a smile and a hand full of flowers, 

Make some one happier in this world of ours. 

NOT ALL SUNSHINE 

Our life is not all sunshine either, 

For there is many a chilly blast; 

Sometimes they follow each other 

So quickly, the changes go past. 

Sometimes when our thoughts are the brightest, 

And our heart beats fast and warm, 

Then the wind seems to blow the hardest, 

And we feel the cold bitter storm. 

Sometimes a friend will betray us, 

Where we least expected any harm. 



170 AN UGLY COW 

AN UGLY COW 

A boy went out to plow, 

And met on his way an ugly cow; 
He tried to avoid having a row, 

But he really didn't know how; 
He tried to retreat, but on came the cow, 

She seemed to be bent on having a row; 
He tried to out run her, 

But she gained on him now, 

To crawl through the fence, 

He thought it was best; 
So he got his head through, 

And the cow got through the rest. 
He didn't want to plow any more, 

He thought it wasn't best, 
To get his wind he now must rest; 

That ugly old cow seems to be possessed. 



FLIRTING 171 



FLIRTING 



She sports a watch dog, 

And they say her name is Maud; 

With her dog she walks the street, 

Dodging every one she'd meet; 

And her dress would catch your eye; 

She is tall, she is shy, 

You'll see mischief in her eye, 

If you chance to pass her by. 

She walks back and forth on the street, 

And she dresses most complete; 

And she has dainty feet; 

She wears a high heeled shoe; 

Always ready to bow to you; 

She wears no hat on her head; 

Isn't looking to get wed, 

And doesn't care what others say. 

BARKING DOG 

A dog that barked all night 
To keep the thieves away; 



172 BARKING DOG 

Barked as soon as it was dark 

Until the next day; 
His master, as soon as light, 

Whipped him for barking all night. 

Next night the dog in his house slept 

So sound, he'd fairly snore; 
The thief broke in, took what he wanted, 

And went out through the door. 
The next morning they whipped the brute, 

Because he didn't bark and was mute. 

MONEY IS KING 

Money is the kingly power, 
That all nations bow down before. 
Money is the golden crown, 
Where all men do bow down. 
Money makes a man a knave, 
Money all men try to save, 
, Money makes a man a slave, 
Money makes a man brave, 
Money makes him dig into 
The bowels of the earth; 
Money is the craze from his birth. 



EPITAPH 173 

EPITAPH 

Here lie the remains of Jesse James, 

Who had a notorious name. 

He would liked to have lived longer, 

But death took him just the same. 

The coward that shot him in the back, 

Was a murderer for a fact. 

To shoot a man for a golden pot, 

He was just as bad as the one he shot. 

If he'd shot him in self defence, 

He might have had some recompense. 

If you steal part of a girl's heart, 
Which is the best, 
To keep the half, 
Or steal the rest? 

Our best friends tell us of our faults. 
Others do not care enough about us. 



Other Poems 

THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE' 

Nature is kind, and indulgent with man, 
Revealing to him her secret plan, 
She takes him into her hidden mine, 
And bids him her native ores refine. 
She unlocks her laboratory door, 
For him to enter, and freely explore. 
As he looks around with deep surprise, 
The scales fall from his wondering eyes; 
Round him, in greatest profusion, 
Are her agents, without confusion. 

Waiting for the mind of man to unfold, 
A treasure, richer than shining gold. 
One, by one, they seek, and find a place, 
Where they can assist the human race. 
First, we find the lever, then the wedge, 
By which Archimedes, would engage, 
To turn this boundless world upside down, 
Had he a place to rest his lever on. 
In this way Science begun to rise, 
Now it claims kindred with the skies. 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 175 

Next comes the axletree and the wheel, 
The pulley, lifts the weight higher still, 
Under the load, the screw creaks, and groans, 
Up the inclined plane, with ease it rolls. 
The mechanical powers are six, 
Clocks, watches, and water wheels, these fix. 
Steam, and its engines, are friends to man, 
When his wants, and his helps, we scan, 
We see that his Creator, good and kind, 
To search out nature, has trained his mind. 

Steam, had its birth, a century ago, 
From a copper kettle, it did flow, 
The curling flames it could not abide, 
When James Watt sat by the fireside. 
He unloosed the bonds that bound it then, 
And it sought the busy haunts of men, 
With power to move the car on the rail, 
And to drive the vessel without sail. 
Millions of factory wheels it rolls, 
And the labor of millions it controls. 



176 THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 

It was but the spirit of the age, 
That did the mind of Watt, engage. 
Science is unconfined, and free, 
Mind will plunge into its deepest sea, 
To meet a thunder cloud rising there, 
A sage flew his kite into the air, 
Then, on the earth he bent his knee, 
And placing his knuckle on the key, 
Through the world, the news did quickly fly, 
Franklin has drawn lightning from the sky. 

At the same time, and same reason why, 

A king raised a tower unto the sky, 

To tempt lightning from the clouds to leap, 

And bind it a captive at his feet. 

The great object of the King of France, 

Was useful science thus to advance. 

Two scientific minds so far apart, 

Just proves the truth of what I assert, 

That it was the spirit of the age, 

Which did the sage, and the king engage. 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 177 

Now, 'tis an age when telegraph wire, 
Makes a highway for lightning fire, 
When western news and Yankee notions, 
Submerged under stormy oceans, 
Flies three thousand miles in a trice, 
Notwithstanding oceans fall and rise, 
Flashing along its deep ocean bed 
The brazen serpent lifts up his head, 
And to the nations far away, 
Proclaims the news of North America. 

From the Atlantic it darts away, 
In the starless night or shining day, 
Over hills, along glassy fountains, 
Over the plains and rocky mountains, 
On through California's golden gates, 
And young Alaska the news awaits, 
Where the occidental waters flow, 
And where oriental landscapes glow, 
With its long arm, and plastic hand, 
It binds a fiery girdle round the land. 



178 THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 

When from the mist of error 'tis freed, 
Science moves on with lightning speed, 
An engine, rolling along the rails, 
A ship on the ocean without sails, 
Help to stretch the chain of commerce, 
Which never can be taken from us. 
Gould our fathers leave their graves a while, 
Astonished, they would gaze without a smile, 
Then, remount their ghostly steeds in haste, 
And hie them back to the land of rest. 

The steamship is a palace in motion, 

Rocking up the rolling ocean, 

As light as a bark canoe, it moves, 

On the liquid element it loves, 

Along vales enclosed by mountains, 

And along inland crystal fountains 

The click of the telegraph wire, 

And screech of the steam engine fire, 

Starts the wild beast from his lair, 

And the red man from his lodge doth scare. 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 179 

When clad in its oriental robes, 
The arms of Science girdle the globe, 
When it shines in its oriental light, 
It dazzles and bewilders the sight. 
'Twas Science, flashing on the ocean, 
Which kept that lonely fleet in motion, 
When Columbus his canvas unfurled, 
And gave to the nations a new world. 
However resplendent it may shine, 
Its scintillations are not Divine. 

'Twas Science which led Fremont to explore 
The western wilds, to ocean's rocky shore, 
Its dark forest, and prairie land, 
Where wild flowers bloom in beauty grand, 
Swift flowing streams and glassy fountains, 
Teeming soil, and tall rocky mountains, 
Where nature on her throne is supreme, 
And reigns over the enchanting scene, 
Where thirteen thousand feet above the seas, 
He raised his country's flag to the breeze. 



180 THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 

Standing on that dizzy, fearful height, 
Above the clouds, in a flood of light, 
He feels the pride which first explorers feel, 
When at nature's altar they first kneel. 
Around him, solitude reigned supreme, 
Upon a throne girdled round with green, 
Below the tow'ring mountain's crest, 
Streams were flowing from the east and west, 
"Though so far above the level of the sea, 
A bumble bee perched upon his knee. 

Science lengthens, and strengthens the vision, 

To penetrate the blue elysian, 

By raising the long tube to the skies, 

Where millions of planets meet the eyes, 

Each, in its appointed order runs, 

Revolving around their central suns, 

In their appointed time without a jar, 

The plans of their architect to mar, 

Who whirls them in their circles round, 

Without missing their appointed bounds. 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 181 

See that graceful balloon arising, 

It flies away with speed surprising, 

Sailing along its aerial way, 

Its gay streamers with the sun beams play, 

Onward, and upward, rising higher, 

Like a blazing chariot of fire, 

No impure gases around it flow, 

For, it leaves the storm cloud far below. 

Without guiding helm, or sails unfurled, 

How lightly it sails between the worlds. 

Moving like a ship on the ocean, 
Zephyr keeps it in graceful motion, 
Science launched it upon the air, 
But the man who sails in it up there, 
Has no helm to guide his vessel by, 
As through trackless ether it doth fly, 
"Though he has no rock-bound coast to shun, 
His great danger lies in coming down. 
Science sent it up like a bird on the wing, 
But Science can't control the thing. 



182 THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 

The brightest rays of Science shine, 

In mapping the human face Divine, 

By causing the rays of light to center, 

With the help of Science, without venture, 

And by the plastic hand of nature, 

Re-producing every feature. 

The sweet smiles, that like the sun-beams play 

In rippling waves on the face so gay, 

The curling lip, and bright, flashing eye, 

From which love's undying fire doth fly. 

Parents who lead us up to manhood, 

And one who by us at the altar stood, 

The sweet child, in its first budding bloom, 

And lovely youth, who fill an early tomb, 

No more subject to disease or age, 

Are all portrayed on the faithful page. 

They cluster round us as in the past, 

And look as in life we saw them last, 

By the help of the photographic type, 

Which Art and Science have brought to light. 



MAN IS RESTLESS 183 

MAN IS RESTLESS 

Man is a restless creature, 

A perpetual motion, 
As transient in his nature, 

As foam on the ocean. 
Just like a surging bubble, 

That in vapor flies away> 
His short life is full of trouble, 

And subject to quick decay. 

He crowds his frail life with plans, 

And builds his air-castles high, 
As the tall fabric he scans, 

Away his fancy visions fly. 
Then a deeper plunge he takes, 

In the busy whirl of life. 
Is well pleased with what he makes, 

For, he turns up with a wife. 

View him in this condition, 
Is the man contented now, 



184 MAN IS RESTLESS 

What marks of sad contrition, 
Hangs heavy upon his brow, 

The fair one who consented 
To be his sweet turtle dove, 

Her bargain has repented, 
And makes a trade of her love. 

Now, restless, and uneasy, 

Around the wide world he roves, 
Through burning climes or freezy, 

'Tis the element he loves. 
When tired of a vagrant life, 

And, the cold world's crushing frown, 
Its noisy turmoil, and strife, 

He turns to his forsaken home. 

Now, he seeks a virtuous prop, 

In a loving, prudent wife. 
Here we let this curtain drop, 

For he's settled down for life, 
See him in this condition, 

With his heart and mind on fire, 



MAN IS RESTLESS 185 

Energy, and ambition, 
That will never rest, nor tire. 

Now, he sings and he whistles, 

For his heart is light with joy, 
Then he thinks and he whittles, 

He learned to do it when a boy. 
Now, he grasps the crystal waves, 

And binds them fast to a wheel, 
This mighty power he braves, 

And subjects it to his will. 

He lays earth's hard bosom bare, 

And throws up its shining dust, 
To gather gold his constant care, 

Then to keep it free from rust. 
He draws lightning from the skies, 

And, on the telegraph wire, 
Under his control it flies, 

A swift messenger of fire. 

Pent up steam obeys his will, 
And rolls his cars on the rails. 



186 MAN IS RESTLESS 

Drives his plow and turns his mill; 

And moves his ships without sails. 
The pure air in which he lives, 

He, under contribution lays, 
A chemic heat to it he gives, 

Which his time and fuel saves. 

View him in this condition, 

Is the man contented now? 
What marks of deep contrition, 

Hangs heavy upon his brow. 
The years that he has wasted, 

Arise like ghosts around him, 
And, the joys he has tasted, 

Are heavy laden with sin. 

On life's down-hill he stands, 
No, down it he is sliding, 

With a force he can't withstand, 
Nature's laws are abiding. 

His dear-bought honor, and renown, 
Have long since left him lonely, 



MAN IS RESTLESS 187 

His cherished idols have flown. 
And left their shadows only. 

Now, there is no rendition; 

For his by-gone wasted years, 
No help for his condition, 

But in his unbidden tears. 
Age has drank his spirit up, 

His roving days are ended, 
He has drained life's brimming cup, 

It's mistakes can't be mended. 

Now; he's gained a position, 

It does not make him cheery, 
What is in the transition 

When the mind is so weary ? 
With feeble steps he moves past, 

His whitened locks are but few, 
Leaning on his broken staff, 

With the grave-yard in full view. 



188 THE LOVE OF NATURE 

THE LOVE OF NATURE 

I wander in the shady grove, 

For I'm in love, deeply in love, 

In Nature's arms I love to rest, 

And press her to my glowing breast, 

No pure maiden's, first burning love, 

Of half the depth, and strength, can prove. 

I woo her in the dewy morning, 
When the sun is brightly shining, 
And in the burning hours of day, 
When he shines with his hottest ray, 
Then her breath is as sweet as roses, 
Wafted on the wings of gnomes. 

I woo her in the evening shade, 
When the day first begins to fade, 
Then I recline on her mossy bed, 
And on her bosom lean my head. 
Under Luna's bright silver beams, 
She flits across my nightly dreams. 



THE LOVE OF NATURE 189 

When her soft arms, around me twine, 
She sweetly whispers, thou art mine ! 
A child of nature, from childhood up 
I hung upon her flowing skirt. 
Bound together in closest union 
We held the sweetest communion. 

I loved her in my childhood ! 

When I rambled in the wild- wood, 

To gather the wild flowers — gay, 

And listen to the cuckoo's lay; 

And the sweet songs her harp strings make, 

When her winds the lofty forest shake. 

I loved her in my youthful day, 
When, on the cheek of beauty she lay, 
And in the love-lit flashing eye, 
From which, love's melting fire doth fly, 
And in the glossy crinkling curls, 
That decked the heads of pretty girls. 

I loved her in the early dawn, 

When she come tripping o'er the lawn, 



190 THE LOVE OF NATURE 

In rustling green, and crimson dressed, 
With pearly dew-drops on her breast; 
Then I walked gayly by her side, 
As happy as a loving bride. 

Her language I learned when young, 
So smoothly flowing from her tongue, 
Softly, sweetly, whispered in my ear, 
A language, I ever loved to hear. 
When a child, as with her I did rove, 
She was the idol of my love. 

When e'er her footsteps I could find, 

I sought her out; with willing mind. 

I found her in the clover field, 

Where opening buds their sweets revealed, 

And in the fields of waving grain, 

Nourished by her dew-drops and rain. 

In a grove of mourning pine, 

With her, I often did recline, 

And listen to her songs above, 

As she swept her harp strings of love, 



THE LOVE OF NATURE 191 

Sweeter than the yEolian harp, 
And soothing to my loving heart. 

Her wild-wood, and her shady dell 
Where flowers bloom; I love them well ! 
Her forests have my study been, 
When giant trees were clothed in green, 
And little birds sung their roun-de-lay 
In the long sunny summer day. 

In Flora's flower garden— gay 
I've spent the closing hours of day, 
Where poppies, with their silken fringe, 
And petunas, with crimson tinge. 
The eglantine, and as-pho-dell, 
Did the light cares of life dispel. 

With her, I ever loved to be, 
On the dry land, or on the sea, 
Up the towering, craggy mountain, 
And, by the dark, foaming fountain, 
Or in the shady, moss-covered dell, 
O, I have always loved her well. 



192 THE LOVE OF NATURE 

I follow' d in her glowing train, 
When, her deep-toned thunder, and rain 
And vivid lightning's fearful crash, 
Did, on the earth in fury dash. 
Then, to me, she was just as sweet, 
As when in solitude we meet. 

Then, my affection, soars above, 
And seeks the object of my love, 
Among, those ever-rolling spheres, 
That for more than six thousand years, 
Have watched over her broad empire, 
With sleepless eyes that never tire. 

Where wandering comets, lawless fly, 
Ungoverned, through the boundless sky, 
Formed of vapor, not well defined. 
Nor clear to the enquiring mind. 
Ever showing where they sail 
By the dazzling splendor of the tail. 

And the glorious milky way, 

"Where angels from Heaven, may stray, 



THE LOVE OF NATURE 193 

Each sparkling star a stepping stone, 
Where the tracks are brightly shown," 
When they come from the world above, 
To see the object of my love. 

THE DIFFERENCE 

Erring man may be forgiven, 

But erring woman, never, 
Though with repentance riven, 

They cast her off forever. 

With but half the strength of man, 

And her temptations greater. 
With forbidden fruit in hand, 

Her sisters often hate her. 

Why not hate her deceiver, 

And give her your sympathy, 
Hate the one who ruin'd her, 

And, let her have your pity ? 

Her depth of love who can tell, 

Her crime, a maiden's warm heart. 

13 



194 THE DIFFERENCE 

For this she fell, deeply fell, 
By her suitor's cunning art. 

You say, I have not fallen ! 

Did kind mercy hold you up ? 
Mercy to you is calling, 

Help her drink her bitter cup. 

Your dark sisters of the Nile, 
Who worship not your Saviour, 

But, bow down to idols vile, 
Shame your scornful behavior. 

They open the arms of love, 
And help the fallen one to rise, 

Their hearts with sympathy move, 
Sending incense to the skies. 

They take her to their bosoms, 
O'er her, shed tears of sorrow. 

Now, from this heathen lesson, 
Some Christian virtue borrow. 



THE MOURNING DOVE 195 



THE MOURNING DOVE 



'Tis the voice of the dove, 
Sweet messenger of love, 
From the tree-top above, 
To me she is calling. 

Slowly the sound doth fly 
As it rolls through the sky, 
Passing mournfully by, 
On my ear 'tis falling. 

Sweet bird of solemn song, 
I've listened to thee long, 
And now my youth is gone; 
Thy notes sink deep within. 

Had I wings, I would fly, 
With thee, up to the sky ! 
And bid this world good-bye ! 
A purer life to win. 

On creaking wings of love, 
We both would soar above, 



196 THE MOURNING DOVE 

In purer air to rove, 

Far from this world of woe. 

With the angels in white 
Together, take our flight, 
Up to the realms of light, 
Where sunbeams round us glow. 

HEALTH ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS 
We can take the rail-car! 

To the Rocky mountains, 
Where there is health in the air, 

And in the crystal fountains. 

Where "Hygeia," on her throne, 

In her healthy retreat, 
Invites invalids to come, 

And worship at her feet. 

Ye weary in life's race ! 

With cheeks of faded hue! 
Go seek her smiling face, 

She's ever a friend true, 

Her throne is in the clouds, 
Where life is pure and sweet; 



HEALTH ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS 197 

There, those not in the shrouds, 
The graVe a while may cheat. 

She throws her arms around 

All, who obey her plan, 
Who, by her laws are bound, 

And all her actions scan. 

Go, climb the Rocky mountains ! 

Where there is health in the air, 
And drink the cool fountains, 

For health is rippling there. 

WOMAN 

Woman, is a tender, fair creature, 
The most refined work of nature, 
Tender, and delicate, so truly, 
Rough winds may not visit her rudely. 

No sacrifice, with her, is too dear, 
If she can stay the falling tear. 
Where her duty plainly points the way, 
In no other path will she stray. 

She is quick to know what love requires, 
For tenderness her heart inspires. 



198 WOMAN 

She may turn away from pleasure! 
From affliction, she will never. 

She is found where the sick are lying, 
To smooth the pillow of the dying. 
With those who mourn with a broken heart 
She bears sympathizing part. 

An angel of mercy, from above, 
To man a sweet messenger of love, 
Quiet and graceful in life she moves, 
And scatters rich blessings as she goes. 

Though fair and tender as a flower, 
She is fearless of mortal power. 
To all, but love, she is a stranger, 
And fearless, in the hour of danger. 

When she feels a pard'ning Saviour's love, 
And her hopes are anchored above, 
Religion she will never forsake, 
Although bound to the martyr's stake. 

A true, Christian spirit, she displays, 
And for resignation ever prays, 
Then, her patience is victorious, 
Which makes her always glorious. 



THE CHURCH BELL 199 

THE CHURCH BELL 

I hear the mellow chime of the bell, 
Its solemn sounds float on the air, 

The joys of loving hearts to swell, 
And call the faithful to prayer. 

A delightful sound to pious souls, 
Who lay aside their worldly care, 

Whose hearts, the love of God controls, 
To kneel in the house of prayer. 

It fills the heart with blissful joy, 
Which earth can't give or take away, 

Far above its glittering toys, 
With those who turn aside to pray. 

I love to hear its thrilling sound, 
It brings to mind a saviour's care, 

Where ever-during joys abound, 
And Faith's vision needs no prayer. 



200 THE OLEANDER 

THE OLEANDER 

Beneath India's sunny sky, 
Where birds of gayest plumage fly, 
And Lions in the jungles roar, 
And Hindoos bask on Ganges' shore. 

There grows a shrub of beauty rare, 
With glossy leaves dark green, and fair, 
Its showy petals, pink, and white, 
Reveling in the rays of light. 

In eastern fable, or in truth? 

We read of a fair Hindoo youth, 

Leander, was his given name, 

Whose heart was touched by Cupid's flame. 

A Hindoo maiden, young and fair, 
Whose native sunny home was there, 
Won the love of this young Hindoo, 
As for it she did fondly woo. 

Where this gray shrub, grew in its pride, 
She was made his sweet, loving bride, 



THE OLEANDER 201 

And, as the days flew swiftly by, 
Death let his poisoned arrows fly. 

And laid her cherished idol low, 
Her life was darkened by the blow. 
Its soft, silken cords were breaking, 
For Leander, knew no waking. 

Taking this gay shrub, from the vale, 
Where its beauty could never fail, 
She placed it on his grave, a token, 
That true love, could not be broken. 

Tossed on trouble's billoWy wave, 
Her stricken heart was in his grave, 
To it. she often did repair, 
Bowed low with sorrow, and despair. 

In anguish crying, O — Leander! 
'Twas where Ganges' waves meander! 
His name to this shrub was given, 
When from its native vale 'twas riven. 



202 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG MAIDEN 

ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG MAIDEN 

When the dew of youth's gay morning 

Was lying on her gentle brow, 
And fond hope, was brightly dawning, 

The wily archer drew his bow. 
Straight to the mark, his arrow sped, 

And she is numbered with the dead. 

In loving youth's unclouded years, 
When time on rosy wings doth fly, 

The sparkling eyes, undimmed with tears, 
'Tis hard to turn aside and die, 

To gasp away the mortal breath, 
And sink into the arms of death. 

The coffin, and the opening tomb, 
Must now, receive her lifeless clay, 

Shrouded in darkness, and in gloom, 
Her peerless form, will soon decay, 

It will be her spirit's portion, 

To bathe in love's unending ocean. 



ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG MAIDEN 203 

Her clear voice that sung in the choir 

With musical strains, so sweet, 
Is now tuning the Heavenly lyre, 

Where glorified spirits meet, 
Meet, on Canaan's happy shore, 

Meet in Heaven, to part no more. 

WOMAN 

As the string is to the bending bow, 
That sends the arrow swiftly flying, 

So to man, is Woman's crimson glow, 
That on her lovely cheek is lying. 

Her love-lit eye, with its flashing fire, 
Her heart, like melted lava flowing, 

And voice musical as the lyre, 

In love's pure fountain ever glowing. 

When she strings the bow with woman's art, 
Her gentle hand bends it to her will, 

The arrow will surely hit the mark, 
When 'tis guided by her cunning skill. 



204 LABOR 



LABOR 



Heaven bless the laboring man! 

Wherever he may be found, 
His strong arm, and steady hand, 

Scatters blessings all around. 

Nature's noble man, is he, 

Who tills the land, and tends his flocks, 
From his door, poverty shall flee, 

For his pockets holds the rocks. 

He drives the reaper, and mower, 
Swings the cradle and the scythe, 

Until his grain and clover, 
In his barn securely lies. 

I love to see his honest brow, 

And shake the warm, hardy hand 

Of the man who holds the plow, 
That furrows over the land. 

With plenty may he be blessed, 
Whose word is never hollow, 

With an honest heart in his breast, 
May he never want a dollar. 



AFFECTION 205 

AFFECTION 

"Lives there a man with soul so dead! 
That to himself has never said?" 
When my years, and my health have fled ! 
Give me a wife beside my bed, — 

To wipe the cold sweat, from my brow, 
And chafe my limbs that chilly grow, 
And whisper love, in accents low, 
Which only from the heart can flow. 

To pillow my head, upon her breast, 
And see that I am neatly dressed, 
With a hand that's soft, and gentle, 
To wipe the sweat, and bathe my temples. 

To anticipate my wants arid woes ! 

To make my bed and smooth the clothes, 

To flit, an Angel, round my room, 

And smile away the sickening gloom. 

Linger near, and catch the last good bye ! 
When from earth my spirit shall fly, 
And where sweet, wild flowers bloom, 
Then lay me in the silent tomb. 



206 LIFE 

LIFE 

'Tis a busy, bustling world. 

And I am in it ! 
I have a banner unfurled, 

There is no unit. 

In the great drama of life, 

I've a part to act ! 
In peace or angry strife, 

There is no turning back. 

With a stout heart and strong arm, 

I'll strip for the race, 
My brother I will not harm, 

Should he phantoms chase. 

Shall I bind his conscience, 

That to him is free, 
Chain his spirit ? — 'tis nonsense ! 

And will ever be. 

There is a law from Heaven, 

'Tis the book of Life, 
To erring mortals given, 

To keep them from strife. 



LIFE 207 

It surely is the higher law, 

From the throne above, 
In it, you will find no flaw, 

'Tis the law of Love. 

Keep this law in truth and spirit, 

Bind it to your heart, 
If endless life you would inherit, 

From it never part. 

THE FOUR SEASONS OF THE YEAR 

WINTER 
Cold winter comes to close the scene, 
Earth is robed in white, instead of green, 
The stormy winds that round us fly, 
Teach us this lesson — all must die. 

Low, on the ground vegetation lies, 
By the Frost King's power it dies, 
The rippling streams forget to flow, 
Bound by frost, and covered with snow. 



208 THE FOUR SEASONS OF THE YEAR 

SPRING 

Now winter yields his stormy reign, 
The sun is travelling north again, 
Rosy spring will soon appear, 
The gayest season of the year. 

A southern breeze will melt the snow, 
The bounding streamlets onward flow, 
And vegetation spring to light, 
From its long, dreary winter night. 

SUMMER 

The returning sun will cross the line, 
Its scorching rays upon us shine, 
Gay flowers deck the sylvan scene, 
And earth be clothed in living green. 

The summer now, with dew and rain, 
Will forward bring the ripening grain, 
The purple clover bend to meet, 
And wet with dew the farmer's feet. 



THE FOUR SEASONS OF THE YEAR 209 

AUTUMN 
Now, autumn conies with ripen'd sheaves, 
With mellow fruit, and falling leaves, 
With cloudy days, and chilly nights, 
And wailing winds, and cheerless sights . 

He comes with rapid, restless strides, 
On stormy winds he swiftly rides. 
He comes to lay earth's bosom bare, 
And quickly close the dying year. 

THE RIVER RAISIN 

By this river, I chanced to rove, 
The wind was sighing in the grove, 
The little birds were making love, 
With songs so merry. 

I rambled by the river side, 
And gazed upon the crystal tide, 
Where the bark canoe, once did ride, 

And red man, cheery. 
I was musing upon the time, 
When the Indian owned this clime, 

14 



210 THE RIVER RAISIN 

And roved on this shore in his prime, 

With steps so lofty. 
When, through these woods he chas'd the deer, 
And by the trees, his course did steer, 
As through the forest without fear, 

He crept so softly. 

He built his dark encampment, where 
It disturbed the wild beast in his lair, 
And from his chosen haunts did scare, 

The forest denizen. 
His council fire never went out, 
His beacon light was on the mountain top, 
His shrill war-whoops none could stop, 

He was fearless then. 

The White Man, in his big canoe, 
O'er ocean's troubled waters flew, 
And guided by his compass true, 

Landed on Plymouth Rock. 
Then, the Red Man's doom was sealed, 
Though to fear, his heart was steeled, 



THE RIVER RAISIN 211 

To the White Man's power he must yield, 
Nor sustain the shock. 

Before the pale face blench away, 
Though long he had ruled America, 
He must yield his savage sway, 

Over its shady bowers. 
Before a more insidious foe' 
The strong warrior was made to bow, 
Fire water in his veins did flow, 

And he was powerless. 

TIME IS SHORT 

The days come in ! the days go out! 
On the wing, time is whirling about ! 
From rosy morning until night, 
From dusky night till morning light, 
Time's pend'lum is ever swinging, 
From the days, the months are springing, 
From the months, the years are rolling, 
The years, the life of man controlling. 



212 TIME IS SHORT 

Time is the warp of life, weave it well ! 
Then, coming years thy joys will swell. 
Our time is quickly flying past, 
Some fleeting year will be the last. 
From youth to age how short the space, 
Witness these wrinkles on my face ! 
Time, moves so gently round the curve, 
From youth to age we scarce observe. 

Ye sons of folly now be wise ! 

For Heaven make a sacrifice ! 

Then, when Time's last pend'lum tick, 

In your dying ears shall click, 

When shrinking from the dreadful thought, 

That death, from his purpose can't be bought, 

Bringing to light each guilty stain, 

Threatening to make repentance vain. 

Now, while fleeting years shall last. 
With piercing eye, scan all the past, 
Bring the follies of youth and age, 
To the light of the sacred page. 



TIME IS SHORT 213 

Then, take shelter under the cross, 
There, no man ever suffered loss, 
Then, to die, will be bliss above, 
Having on the pure robes of love, 

THE SOUL'S POETRY 

The world is full of poetry, 

It sheds its light on me. 
I see it in the tinge grass, 

And every leaf and tree. 

I see it in the lightning's flash 

In wings of pearly gold; 
I see it in the pure blue sky 

And in the ocean's bowl. 

Songs of the soul— sweet poetry, 

You fill my heart with glee, 
And make this life so beautiful, 

A heaven on earth forme. 



214 FAREWELL TO RHYMING 

FAREWELL TO RHYMING 

Farewell ! old Parnassus, 
I will bid thee good-bye ! 

To climb thy rock-bound sides, 
I no longer will try. 

I've pulled at thy bushes, 
And loosen'd thy stones ! 

To keep me from falling, 
And breaking my bones. 

At thy base I'm lying, 

Weary, way-worn and sad. 

Some above are climbing, 
In robes of victory clad. 

Their hearts a musical flame, 
Their heads with laurel crown'd, 

Whilst I lie here whining, 
They are off with a bound. 

If I must stay below, 
To learn in this dull school, 

I'll let old Parnassus go, 
And take the matter cool. 



MY POEMS 215 



MY POEMS 



You've read my poems to the end, 

Please this book recommend. 

If you have a kindly look, 

Then you'll be satisfied with the book. 

There are poems for large or small, 

And I've tried to please you all, 

Some are merry, some are sad, 

But in this whole book there is nothing bad. 

If we are friends you and me, 

Then contented I will be. 

If some poems you do enjoy, 

Then I have done some good, so good bye. 



216 PROVERBS 

PROVERBS 

If you want to write well, 
You must write to please. 

A wise man profits from what he sees, 
But a fool from his shadow flees. 

If you give your advice un-asked for, 
They will your advice ignore. 

If you want to write down your thoughts, 
You must think, instead of talk. 

Experience is a dear teacher, they say, 
But the man that has it, draws double pay. 

It's an insult, not to listen when spoken to, 
When another is talking, wait till he is through. 

The hardest thing to do, is to govern thy self. 
If thou knowest thy self, thou knowest others. 

The old proverb is true, it may be so with you, 
"Birds of a feather, will flock together." 



PROVERBS 217 

If you want to live long, if you want to live to be old, 
Keep your feet warm and your head cool. 

If you want to write poems and make them rhyme, 
You must give up other work and give it your time. 

To find the best apples on a tree, 

In an orchard you see, 
You'll find the most clubs under the tree. 

If good conversation you have in view, 
Then good company is the place for you. 
If bad conversation you are inclined, 
Then bad company you will find. 

Man is not satisfied anyway, , . 

When the sun shines, he wants a cloudy day; 

When it's cold, he wants it warm; 

When it's warm, he wants it cold; 

When it's wet, he wants it dry; 

When it's dry, he wants it wet; 

Thus he's always in a fret. 



218 EPITAPHS 

EPITAPHS 

Here lies Mike McCarty, 
Died in full health, 
And his age was forty. 

Here lies Mr. Cobb, 
And we buried him, 
Deep under the sod. 

Here lies a man, 
From trouble 
He could get no relief, 
So he died of grief. 

Here lies Mr. DeLane, 
Noted for fame. 
But death took him 
Just the same. 

Here lies Tom Jones, 

To die he was not willing, 

But death took him, 

And he left Sam. Jones five shilling. 



